Cristiano Ronaldo shrugs at Erik ten Hag tactics talk before wantaway Man Utd star is hooked at half-time in friendly

CRISTIANO RONALDO saw his Man Utd return end prematurely with a half-time substitution, before watching his replacement score just minutes later.

The 37-year-old was playing his first game of pre-season after taking extended leave as he tries to force his exit from the club.

Ronaldo lined up in a team scattered with kids as Erik ten Hag took the opportunity to use the full depth of his squad after Saturday's 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid.

During a water break Ten Hag lectured the squad about the way he wanted them to play.

However, a surly Ronaldo could be seen shrugging as the Dutchman laid out his tactical plan to the squad.

He was then seen touching his face in apparent frustration.

Ronaldo was subsequently subbed off at half-time after a lifeless display with the game goalless.

And his mood will not have been improved as his replacement, Amad Diallo, scored just two minutes after coming on off the bench.

Vallecano went on to equalise through Alvaro Garcia as the friendly finished 1-1 at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo was pictured leaving the stadium before the full-time whistle.

For the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, getting 45 minutes under his belt is important ahead of the season opener against Brighton next week.

However, the likelihood of him starting the game, given his relative lack of match fitness and the pre-season form of Anthony Martial, is likely to be low.

A number of clubs have been linked with a transfer for the legendary forward.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta refused to deny reports suggesting Ronaldo had been offered to the club his by agent Jorge Mendes.

La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid were also linked with him, but fans made their feelings clear by releasing a stinging letter and unfurling an anti-Ronaldo banner during a pre-season friendly.

Earlier in the window Chelsea were also linked with a move for him, after new Blues owner Todd Boehly held a meeting with Mendes.

Ronaldo was the club's top goalscorer last season with 24 goals.