Ronaldo is happy to be back when United are matched by Rayo Vallecano

JAKARTA – Cristiano Ronaldo finally made his first appearance with Manchester United (MU) in the last 12 weeks. Ronaldo played 45 minutes as United drew 1-1 at Old Trafford against Rayo Vallecano in a pre-season friendly on Sunday (31/7/2022).

The 37-year-old Portugal forward, who missed pre-season tours to Thailand and Australia for personal reasons, is reportedly looking to leave United. The former Real Madrid and Juventus star finished last season scoring 24 goals. But unfortunately, MU finished in sixth place so they did not qualify for the Champions League.

Ronaldo was left out of United's squad for the friendly against Atletico Madrid in Oslo the day before. But after the match against Rayo, Ronaldo posted a photo of himself with the caption "It's good to be back".

Erik ten Hag, United's new manager, told the club website that the squad against Rayo was "a mix of experience and youth." . That's positive," he was quoted as saying by AFP.

New signings Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez both featured for an hour. Amad Diallo, who was on loan at Rangers last season, put United ahead early in the second half. The 20-year-old Ivory Coast winger fired home a volleyed ball after Alex Telles' effort was blocked by goalkeeper Rayo.

But this advantage did not last long after Alvaro Garcia equalized in the same way after Tom Heaton had saved first to block Isaac Palazon Camacho's shot. United start the Premier League season at home to Brighton on 7 August.