Erik ten Hag has put down a marker and shown Cristiano Ronaldo who's boss by leaving him out of Manchester United's starting XI for their opener against Brighton.
Ronaldo missed the Red Devils' pre-season tour of Thailand and Austria due to personal reasons after announcing he wants to leave the club for a side competing in the Champions League.
The 37-year-old failed to attract any serious bids and Ronaldo returned to Carrington two weeks ago to finally meet his new boss, who has been preparing for his first season without the forward. Mirror Football understands the Portugal international has knuckled down in training and made a demand to Ten Hag to start him against the Seagulls.
Anthony Martial has also recently picked up a knock, but Ten Hag has stuck to his guns and has opted against starting Ronaldo, who he clearly feels isn't match-fit.
Ten Hag told the BBC: "I cannot say [when Ronaldo will be back in the starting XI], it depends on how quickly he is progressing. He will do everything to get to the fitness levels as soon as possible."
David de Gea starts in goal for United in Ten Hag's first game in charge and he's picked a back-four comprised of Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and new signing Lisandro Martinez.
In midfield, Scott McTominay and Fred have retained their places in this Red Devils' side with Cristian Eriksen making his United debut in front of them, alongside Bruno Fernandes.
Jadon Sancho also gets a start for United with Marcus Rashford up top.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Has Erik ten Hag made the correct call dropping Cristiano Ronaldo? Comment below
Ten Hag is tasked with returning Man United to the promised land of the Champions League in his first season in charge after a woeful last campaign.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was replaced in the United hot seat by Ralf Rangnick midway through last season, with the Austrian guiding the Red Devils to their worst-ever Premier League finish.
Ten Hag has warned this season will have its setbacks but is confident United will show signs of improvement if they stick to his plan.
He said: "Every game will be a challenge. There will be setbacks and disappointments. We have to deal with that. That is sports life. That is the attitude we all need. In the end, if you have a good plan, you will achieve success. I am 100 per cent convinced of that."
