Glen Johnson names Chelsea as the one facet who can problem Man Metropolis for the Premier League title

9:55 AM ET

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United‘s beginning XI for his or her preseason pleasant in opposition to Rayo Vallecano at Previous Trafford on Sunday.

New signings Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen had been additionally named in a much-changed aspect from the one which misplaced 1-Zero to Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Raphael Varane was named captain whereas Tom Heaton, Donny van de Beek and Alex Telles additionally featured alongside kids Ethan Laird, Tahith Chong and Alejandro Garnacho.

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Ronaldo missed United’s tour of Thailand and Australia after being given break day for private causes.

Throughout his absence, hypothesis concerning the Portugal worldwide’s future at United was rife and ESPN reported that he needed to go away with a purpose to play Champions League soccer.

Nonetheless, Ronaldo, who has one yr to run on his United contract, returned to training on Tuesday. He was accompanied by his agent, Jorge Mendes, and held talks with new United supervisor Erik ten Hag.

📋 Presenting at this time’s crew information…#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 31, 2022

On Saturday, following the 1-Zero defeat to Atletico Madrid, Ten Hag confirmed Ronaldo can be within the United squad to face Rayo, one thing Ronaldo had already hinted at when he posted on Instagram: “Sunday, the King performs.”

Ten Hag stated earlier this month that he was wanting ahead to working with Ronaldo, who was their prime scorer final season with 24 objectives in all competitions.

United, nevertheless, completed sixth within the league to overlook out on Champions League qualification and can play within the second-tier Europa League this season.

Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich have each publicly distanced themselves from a transfer for the previous Real Madrid and Juventus star. One other reported suitor, Chelsea, have additionally dominated out a deal, sources told ESPN.