Ronaldo returns: how Man Utd could line up vs Rayo Vallecano

After experiencing his first defeat as Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag will swiftly shift his focus towards the final assignment of pre-season before the 2022/23 campaign officially begins.

The final test of the summer is at Old Trafford, with Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano making the trip from Spain. Interestingly, this game will see a crucial change to the dugouts tested for the first time.

Ten Hag has swapped the home and away dugouts after discovering that the walk from the tunnel is longer for United. Furthermore, the new layout means that the United bench is closer to the Stretford End.

Eight players were on the pitch for 90 minutes in the 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday and none of them are expected to feature at all on Sunday.

Read more: Eriksen makes debut: player ratings from Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid

A number of players did not play against Diego Simeone’s side, however, and they will now be offered the chance to register 90 minutes under their belts. That could include Cristiano Ronaldo, who confirmed earlier this week that he was in line to play.

Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez could also play after the pair played no part in Oslo. Tom Heaton is likely to start in goal and the wide areas in defence will be occupied by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles. Tyrell Malacia played the entire game against Atletico Madrid after Luke Shaw fell ill.

Further up the pitch, James Garner is likely to be handed his first start of pre-season after having preparations disrupted by injuries, whilst Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen are likely to play after brief cameos on Saturday.

If Jadon Sancho has recovered from the issue that kept him out of Saturday’s friendly, he will play. If not, Facundo Pellistri, Amad and Tahith Chong are all in line to replace him.

Predicted Man Utd lineup (4-2-3-1): Heaton; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Telles; Garner, Van de Beek; Amad, Eriksen, Pellistri; Ronaldo

More Stories Cristiano Ronaldo Erik ten Hag Manchester United Premier League Rayo Vallecano

1 Comment

  1. Will Ronaldo remain at the club or he is departing away from old trafford before the transfer deadline.

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