Man Utd team news: Ronaldo starts on Red Devils return as Varane makes home debut against Newcastle

Cristiano Ronaldo will open his second spell as a Manchester United player from the off against Newcastle, with the Portuguese superstar named in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting XI.

A five-time Ballon d'Or winner has made a stunning return to Old Trafford 12 years on from bringing a memorable first association with the Red Devils to a close.

Record-setting stints with Real Madrid and Juventus have seen the 36-year-old cement a standing as an all-time great, with the intention being to further enhance his legacy back in English football.

What is Man Utd's starting XI?

Alongside Ronaldo, a couple of other summer recruits have also been included in Solskjaer's latest selection.

Raphael Varane, who worked with Ronaldo at Real, makes his home debut for United after seeing his first minutes for the club prior to the international break in an away win at Wolves.

Jadon Sancho is another eye-catching addition to the Red Devils squad, with the England winger lining up on the left of a fearsome front three that also includes Mason Greenwood.

Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes will be pulling the strings in midfield, hoping to provide the ammunition for Ronaldo and Co, while club captain Harry Maguire partners Varane at the back.

Dean Henderson has stepped up his recovery from a bout of Covid-19 by figuring for United's U23s, but David de Gea retains his spot between the sticks.

Fred is available after seeing a ban lifted on English-based Brazilian stars that were prevented from linking up with their country for World Cup qualifying duty, but he has to settle for a place on the bench.

Edinson Cavani, who has passed the No.7 jersey back to Ronaldo, is not in the matchday squad.

When was Ronaldo's last appearance for Man Utd?

Ronaldo took in 292 appearances for United after joining them from Sporting in the summer of 2003.

He scored 118 goals and helped the Red Devils to three Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, as well as landing the first of his five Golden Balls.

An iconic figure currently has 84 efforts to his name in the English top-flight and, having committed to a two-year contract, will have his sights set on another notable century.

His last goal for United came in a derby date with Manchester City on May 10, 2009, with his final appearance coming in a 2-0 Champions League final defeat to a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona side in Rome's Stadio Olimpico on May 27, 2009.