Cristiano Ronaldo was greeted to a rapturous welcome from Manchester United's fans outside of Old Trafford ahead of the game against Brighton.
United's players arrived three hours ahead of kick-off, in a move very distant from times in the past when they would turn up so late kick-off would be delayed. As players piled off the coach it was Ronaldo who created the most hubbub among the queuing fans.
The forward posed for pictures and signed shirts, proving he's still very much the apple of supporters' eyes despite his desire to secure a move away to a Champions League playing club. Whether he starts in the clash against Brighton remains to be seen.
Ronaldo missed United's entire pre-season tour due to 'family reasons', featuring for only 45 minutes in the final friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford. The 37-year-old then created further controversy by being among a number of players to leave that game at half-time, seemingly without Ten Hag's permission.
The Dutch manager criticised the minority who left, with the spotlight naturally on Ronaldo. "There were many more who went home," he said. "So you condoned that? Certainly not. It's unacceptable, for everybody. I tell them. That it is unacceptable and that we are a team, so a selection. That you have to stay until the end."
Ten Hag later said, out of the players who left at half-time, it was unfair Ronaldo was the only one to be singled out. "Now I have to point, those who left, there were many players who left but the spotlight is on Cristiano; that is not right, so do your research and make out many players left," Ten Hag told a news conference on Friday.
"You mention it, you correct them, then move on. I think we've said enough on it. I said it's not correct."
It is not yet clear if Ronaldo will start the game against Brighton, but Ten Hag did confess Ronaldo has been impressing in training. "I'm satisfied with the whole team; we're working good, good culture and Cristiano is working really tough and hard," he said. "I'm really happy [to have Ronaldo]. I told you before, we have a top striker, really happy he's here with the squad, and we stick to the plan."
Sunday's Premier League clash will also be Ten Hag's first competitive match in charge. According to Sky Sports News, the 52-year-old was out on the pitch as early as 9.40am surveying the turf.
Ten Hag's work ethic and strict measures have come to light since his arrival, with the United manager implementing phone bans and training ground changes.
