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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matt Maltby

5 things noticed from Cristiano Ronaldo's first game under Erik ten Hag in Man Utd draw

Cristiano Ronaldo was finally back in action for Manchester United - and Erik ten Hag will have mixed feelings about his performance.

The Portuguese forward made his first appearance of the summer as the Red Devils brought an end to their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano. All the attention was on the wantaway star as the uncertainty regarding his future continues to dominate the headlines.

Despite the former Real Madrid ace demanding an exit, Ten Hag has has so far refused to grant him his wish and gave him his first run out. So, how did he get on? Mirror Football takes a look...

Cristiano Ronaldo struggled for Manchester United on Sunday (Offside via Getty Images)

Mixed reception from fans

Some United fans are upset at the way Ronaldo is trying to force a move away this summer - and they made their feelings clear at Old Trafford. When the stadium announcer read out the star's name in the line-up, a section of the Red Devils faithful were heard booing the striker.

That being said, it's clear that other supporters aren't that bothered and still hold him in high regard. Indeed, Ronaldo also received big cheers when his name was read out; more than any other player in the United line-up.

It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will remain with United but this saga has clearly frustrated Red Devils supporters. They continued to vent their frustrations when the forward wasted a couple of chances in the first half too.

Making a point

Ronaldo was named in the starting XI vs Rayo Vallecano (Getty Images)

Will Ronaldo stay at Man Utd this season? Share your predictions in the comments below

Despite wanting to quit the club, Ronaldo has not lost his appreciation for the Red Devils supporters. The Portuguese ace was the first out of the tunnel for the warm-up and was intent on greeting the Old Trafford faithful.

Ronaldo applauded fans all around the ground and received the gesture back. It's understandable that supporters will be upset that the star wants to leave for a second time, but he's obviously keen to keep them happy too.

Unfortunately he was unable to give them much to smile about on the pitch though. The star endured a quiet opening 45 minutes and was replaced by Amad Diallo at half-time.

Lacking match fitness

Ten Hag made no secret of his concerns over Ronaldo's match fitness - and it seems the United manager was spot on. Speaking after United's 1-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid on Saturday, the Dutchman said: "He will be in the squad. We'll see how long he can play.

"I cannot tell in this moment (how fit he is). He is not on the level of the rest of the squad because he missed a lot of weeks. But he needs games and he needs training, a lot."

Ronaldo only linked up with the first-team squad last week, having missed the pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia. And he is clearly still getting up to speed.

Below-par performance

The Portuguese star endured a tough afternoon and was subbed off at half time (Getty Images)

All the attention was on Ronaldo and he would have been keen to let his football do the talking on Sunday. Unfortunately he was unable to do that.

Ronaldo produced a disappointing performance against the Spanish side. He rarely posed an attacking threat and was also wasteful in possession, losing the ball on a number of occasions.

The 37-year-old has found it challenging in his bid to leave United and potential suitors won't have been that inspired by his showing in this pre-season clash. We've mentioned the lack of fitness and it was evident that Ronaldo has a lot of work to do.

The future is bright

Ronaldo was hauled off at the break and his replacement wasted no time in stamping his authority on the game. Amad had been on the pitch for three minutes when he opened the scoring for United.

That would have been a huge encouragement for Ten Hag, who has a reputation for giving youngsters the chance to impress. Amad took his opportunity and will be hoping to repeat his heroics when the league campaign gets underway next weekend.

Amad's goal also highlighted Ronaldo's struggles in the first half - and also leaves question marks over his role in Ten Hag's team. Even when the star gets full fit, is he guaranteed a starting spot? The jury is out...

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