Man Utd vs Rayo Vallecano: Where to watch, how to buy tickets & latest United team news

Manchester United’s final pre-season game of the summer takes place at Old Trafford this weekend when they host Rayo Vallecano.

The Spanish side represent Erik ten Hag’s first opponents at the Theatre of Dreams, and the game comes a day after the Red Devils face Atletico Madrid in Norway.

It’s for that reason there’s uncertainty about which players will be involved in the friendly, with United likely to try and give two different XIs full 90-minute run outs across the double header.

The clash with Rayo also will be staged exactly a week before the Premier League season gets under way, meaning it’s the last chance for Ten Hag to assess his squad before the big kick-off against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Ahead of the match, here’s all the main details you need to know…

When is the match?

The game kicks off at 4pm on Sunday 31 July, and is the first senior United match to be staged at Old Trafford since the Red Devils hosted Brentford on 2 May.

Can I watch it on TV?

As with all of United’s pre-season games, it will be shown live on MUTV. Fans can also watch the game on the club’s website and app, if they have a valid MUTV membership.

Memberships cost £7.99 per month or £29.99 for a year-long subscription.

Are tickets available?

Yes, tickets can be purchased on the club’s website, with adult tickets priced at £20 and those for under-16 costing just £10.

Who are Rayo Vallecano?

The Spanish side aren’t the most well-known club in the UK, although they have played in La Liga in eight of the last 12 seasons.

Last term, the Madrid-based club finished 12th in the Spanish top flight having gained promotion the season prior.

The club have a few well-known players including former Atletico midfielder Mario Suarez, and Diego Lopez, once of Real Madrid and AC Milan.

But the two names most recognisable among Premier League fans are those of ex-Red Devils Radamel Falcao and Bebe, with both expected to be involved at Old Trafford.

Rayo have played two English sides already in pre-season and beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 earlier this month, before drawing 2-2 with Birmingham City last weekend.

Latest team news

It’s almost impossible to guess which United players could be involved on Sunday, although it’s likely an entirely different team will play from the one which starts in Oslo against Atletico.

Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, who were confirmed as United players this week, could be involved. The pair played in a behind-closed-doors friendly game against Wrexham on Wednesday, with Eriksen netting in the 4-1 win.

Raphael Varane has had an injury-plagued pre-season but featured in that game, while Cristiano Ronaldo watched on from the sidelines.

The Portugal captain’s future is still uncertain despite returning to Carrington this week. There is a chance Ronaldo could play his first pre-season minutes on Sunday.

The only major injury concern for United is Scott McTominay, who missed the final game of the tour due to a niggle.