RONALDO LEAVES OLD TRAFFORD BEFORE FULL TIME WHISTLE
After being replaced at halftime in Manchester United’s 1-1 tie with Rayo Vallecano, Cristiano Ronaldo exited the stadium before the game’s conclusion.
The 37-year-old Ronaldo returned to action against the Spanish team after skipping United’s tour of Thailand and Australia to attend to a family matter.
After playing for the first 45 minutes, he was replaced. Before the final whistle, he was seen departing Old Trafford, and United officials later declined to say whether manager Erik ten Hag had approved of his early departure.
ESPN has learned from sources that Ten Hag urged team mates who had just played against Atletico Madrid to show up for the friendly match versus Rayo.
While other players watched from hospitality boxes, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Scott McTominay were in the directors’ box. They watched as United’s replacement for Ronaldo, Amad, opened the scoring early in the second half before Alvaro Garcia equalised for the guests shortly after. United finished its preseason schedule with three victories, two ties, and a loss out of its six games.