5 Things We Learned As Manchester United Draw 1-1 With Rayo Vallecano At Old Trafford

Cristiano Ronaldo made his much anticipated come-back as Manchester United round off their pre-season at Old Trafford with a score draw against Rayo Vallecano

Twenty-four hours on from their defeat against Atletico Madrid in Oslo, Manchester United took to the field at Old Trafford for the first time since the beginning of May to take on Rayo Vallecano. 

The game against the Franjirrojos would be United’s final pre-season clash before the 2022/23 Premier League opener against Brighton and Hove Albion next week.

After weeks of intense speculation surrounding his future, Cristiano Ronaldo would pull on the famous red shirt for potentially the last time whilst, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez made their first starts for the Red Devils.

In the end, Amad Diallo’s strike early in the second-half would be cancelled out by a close-range goal from Alvaro Garcia, as Manchester United’s pre-season ended with a score draw at Old Trafford.

Here are five things UtdDistrict learned from the win/loss/draw against Rayo Vallecano:

1) Cristiano Ronaldo Returns

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the Red Devils starting eleven after a summer that has been rife with speculation about his future at Old Trafford. As to be expected, CR7’s movement in the final third was elite and caused the Madrid-based side plenty of problems.

The Portuguese talisman was replaced by Amad Diallo at half-time in his first pre-season outing, and did not find the net on his return, but United fans will be hoping that he will remain a Red Devil for the upcoming season.

2) Christian Eriksen Excelling

After a short spell on the pitch in Oslo against Atletico Madrid, Christian Eriksen showed his class and gave United fans a glimpse of how important he will be to Erik ten Hag’s side in the new campaign.

In his second appearance in the famous red Manchester United jersey, the Danish midfield maestro continued to show his class with his passing range and ability to read the game on show for the United faithful. After only two appearances, it is clear why Erik ten Hag was so keen to secure Christian Eriksen’s services this summer.

3) Lisandro Martinez Makes His Entrance

Manchester United’s new defensive recruit made his unofficial debut for the Reds after his summer move from Ajax. “The Butcher” started in his preferred centre-half position despite his ability to play in a number of positions across the back-line.

Lisandro Martinez at Old Trafford in pre-season. (Alamy)

The Argentinian looked assured with the ball at his feet, with some deft touches and sharp passes from his defensive position. Many have questioned Martinez over his height, and whether he can adapt to the physicality of English football, however, in his first outing, United’s new boy did not shy away from a challenge and made sure his presence was felt.

Martinez did little wrong in the build-up to Rayo Vallecano’s equaliser and left the pitch on the 60th minute with a distinguished debut performance under his belt.

4) United’s Midfielders on a Mission

In a summer transfer window where Manchester United have been touted to bring in midfield reinforcements, It was a pair of United players in the middle of the park that stole the show.

Jimmy Garner, who spent the 2021/22 season at Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest gave Old Trafford a glimpse of his talents, with the English youngster showing an intensity going forward and defensively that Erik ten Hag will be impressed by.

James Garner against Rayo Vallecano. (Man Utd)

The Red Devils’ resident Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek also looked sharp after an average pre-season tour. Van de Beek pressed well and looked creative in the United engine room and showed what he can offer to Ten Hag’s side. 

5) Young Stars Shine

In front of the lively home crowd, Erik ten Hag gave chances to a number of Manchester United youngsters, with Alejandro Garnacho given his first pre-season minutes from the start. Ethan Laird, who will reportedly join Watford on-loan also started the game.

Garnacho, whilst still clearly a raw talent with room to polish his game, showed why he is held in such high regard at Old Trafford, with the ball seemingly glued to his feet as he weaved his way past Franjirrojo players.

Alejandro Garnacho at Old Trafford against Rayo Vallecano. (Man Utd)

The Argentinian forward certainly gave Erik ten Hag food for thought as he showed his attacking skill through his direct running and incisiveness. Amad Diallo made an instant impact after being brought on at the beginning of the second-half at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Ivorian prodigy finding the back of the net just three minutes after his introduction.

Zidane Iqbal, Shola Shoretire, Hannibal Mejbri and Norwegian academy prospect Isak Hansen-Aaroen also made cameo appearances towards the end of the clash with the Franjirrojos. All in all it was a good day for United’s future stars.