Tom Heaton was called into action within the first 10 seconds, as Alvaro Garcia found space behind Ethan Laird, with the Spaniard's attempt pushed away for a corner.
Donny van de Beek was gifted the ball on halfway line as United drove forward soon after. The Dutchman played in Cristiano Ronaldo who blazed his first sighter at goal high and wide.
Some superb work from Alejandro Garnacho down the left provided an opening for Tahith Chong, after Christian Eriksen had beautifully found the young forward moments prior. Our no.44 failed to test Rayo keeper Stole Dimitrievski, as ten Hag's side continued our search for an opener.