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Amad Diallo scores twice as Cristiano Ronaldo sits out behind-closed-doors friendly

Published 11:28 9 Aug 2022 BST

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A number of senior players also featured for United

Amad Diallo scored twice for a Manchester United XI in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Monday, just 24 hours after the Red Devils lost to Brighton and Hove Albion. It had been initially reported that Ronaldo would feature in the friendly, against Halifax, but his 37 minutes off the bench, against Brighton, was deemed sufficient as the 37-year-old builds up his match fitness. The Portuguese international started on the bench for Erik ten Hag's side in United's Premier League opener. Brighton secured a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford thanks to a brace from Pascal Gross. Ronaldo was introduced in the 53rd minute - replacing midfielder Fred - but he was unable to have the desired impact, but he did receive praise from Ten Hag after the match. [caption id="attachment_260296" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]

Alejandro Garnacho came on as a late sub against Brighton, then started against Halifax. (Credit: Getty)[/caption]

Amad Diallo scores twice in behind-closed-doors friendly

Manchester United took on National League side Halifax on Monday afternoon. The match was organised by United to give some much-needed minutes to those that did not play from the start at Old Trafford against the Seagulls. It took place at the club's Carrington training HQ, with the Premier League club securing a 5-1 win over their non-league opponents. Eric Bailly, Raphaël Varane, Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka formed the defence, with veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton in between the sticks. Zidane Iqbal, Donny van de Beek and James Garner were in midfield, with Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Elanga and Amad Diallo the attackers. United ran out 5-1 winners, with Amad Diallo scoring twice, and goals from Varane, Garner and Bailly. The club's next competitive match is away to Brentford on Saturday, with Liverpool to visit Old Trafford the following week. Following the defeat to Brighton, there have been reports that United made a bid for Bologna forward Marko Arnautovic and have agreed a £15m fee with Juvebntus for midfielder Adrien Rabiot.