Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United forward starts in draw against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford

Cristiano Ronaldo started in Manchester United’s 1-1 pre-season friendly draw against La Liga club Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Portugal international made his first appearance for United under manager Erik Ten Hag in pre-season despite reportedly telling the club this summer that he wants to leave before the end of the transfer window.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner played the first half before he was replaced by Amad Diallo, who scored in the 48th minute before Alvaro Garcia Rivera equalised for Rayo in the 57th minute.

Ronaldo missed United’s pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand and met Ten Hag for talks over his future at United’s training base in Carrington last week, accompanied by his agent Jorge Mendes.

Ronaldo, who is reportedly keen to play Champions League football this season, also skipped United’s pre-season match against Atletico Madrid in Oslo on Friday.

However, he posted on the same day on Instagram: “Sunday, the king plays.”

He then posted on Saturday a picture of himself training at Carrington alongside his United team-mates with the caption “working in progress…”

Ten Hag has named the 37-year-old in his starting XI for United’s final pre-season match ahead of their Premier League opener against Brighton on August 7.

After United’s defeat in Norway, Ten Hag said: “Tomorrow he will be in the squad. We’ll see how long he can play.”

New Manchester United signings Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen also started against Rayo.