Ten Hag confirms Ronaldo 'will play' on Sunday after 'unacceptable' friendly loss to Atletico

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was quick to criticize his side after their 'unacceptable' 1-0 friendly loss to Atletico Madrid.

It was a productive first summer in the dugout for the Dutch manager, who became Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's long-term successor in May.

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The Red Devils kicked off their pre-season with a convincing 4-0 victory over Liverpool, before victories against Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.

However, since then there are two games without a win after a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa and Saturday's loss to Atletico.

While the results aren't too important when it comes to friendlies, Ten Hag was unimpressed after his side lost a two-goal lead against Villa.

He was perhaps even more frustrated on Saturday after failing to get a result in their game against Atletico – who knocked United out of the Champions League last season.

The 52-year-old was particularly disappointed with his side's inability to convert at least one of the many chances they created.

"In the end, it's all about the result, and the score wasn't good," said Ten Hag (quotes via UtdPlug). "You have to take advantages if you create chances.

"I think we created many chances, to produce at least one goal and from the fewer chances they create, they scored one - that point, I'm not happy. I I told the team it was not acceptable, you have to be sharp in the box, on both sides."

Ten Hag saw the positives though, admitting he thought the overall performance was "really good".

"I think we contributed really well, I think our team's performance was really good," he added.

“Our game, our possession and transition game was really good. We created a lot of threats, we had weapons, we create opportunities, so that part really satisfied me.”

United will play another friendly on Sunday - against Rayo Vallecano - in Ten Hag's opener at Old Trafford.

"Players who have played from the start will not come tomorrow," he said. "Tomorrow we will have a different starting XI. There are players who came [against Atlético] who can start tomorrow."

Ten Hag has also confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo - who reportedly wants to leave the club - will start against the Spanish side. It will be his first appearance under his new manager after returning to training earlier this week.

"Cristiano Ronaldo will play against Rayo Vallecano," he confirmed. "Yes, he will be in the team tomorrow. We will see how long he can play."

As well as the result, United - who had Fred sent off - the boss were unhappy with Atletico's aggressiveness in the friendly.

"I like being competitive, but with all due respect, I don't want to hurt myself either," Ten Hag said.

"That's why you have to respect each other, and I saw some tackles that went over the line."