Following Brighton’s opening goal, Cristiano Ronaldo made a gesture while sitting on the Man Utd bench.

The starting lineup for Manchester United’s Premier League matchup versus Brighton included CRISTIANO RONALDO on the bench.

Erik ten Hag discusses Cristiano Ronaldo’s behaviour for Manchester United.

After Brighton took the lead in the first half, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be more active on the Manchester United bench than Erik ten Hag. Although Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain, he said he will be available for United’s opening Premier League match against Brighton.

This is true even if the legendary Portuguese footballer missed the most of United’s preseason games for “family reasons” and because of issues with Ten Hag. The early departure of Ronaldo and Diogo Dalot from last week’s preseason friendly against Rayo Vallecano was deemed “inappropriate” by the new United manager, who was unimpressed.

Ronaldo has been mentioned in numerous rumours as a potential transfer away from Old Trafford, but he was part of the lineup for their Premier League opener against Brighton. He was simply listed as being on the bench, though, since Christian Eriksen led the attack for United.

United had a few half-chances early on in the game, but Robert Sanchez was largely untested. On the halfway point, everything changed when Danny Welbeck beat the offside trap and drilled in a low cross that Pascal Gross was waiting to tap into an open goal.

Right before halftime, Brighton added another goal (Image: GETTY)

While United fans were visibly shocked, Brighton supporters instantly leaped out of their seats to cheer. Cameras quickly moved to Hag, who made no response to the goal being scored.

On the bench, however, Ronaldo was much more animated and threw his arms around. The attacker appeared to urge his teammates to get back up and move on without being affected by the goal.

Although Brighton continued to create spaces in the middle of the field to pass to their offensive players, United did not learn their lesson. Nine minutes later, Gross scored his second goal thanks to some good work from Solly March, who had David de Gea parry his well-placed shot.

Gross, however, beat Fred to the ball and once more tapped in from close range after the Spaniard accidentally nudged the ball into his path. Ten Hag was once again frozen on the touchline with United unable to find a way back into the match before the intermission.

Despite United’s dismal first 45 minutes, Ten Hag decided not to make any adjustments at the break. While sitting on the bench, Ronaldo had his shirt in his hands. However, he will have to wait until later in the year to make his debut.