Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the season as Manchester United beat Sheriff Traspoul 2-0 in Europa League Group E.
Despite a quick start by Erik ten Hague, Jadon Sancho broke the deadlock after 15 minutes and Ronaldo added a second from the penalty spot minutes before half-time.
United took their foot off the gas in an almost entirely uneventful second half, but the Premier League side still comfortably dispatched their Moldovan opposition.
The win sees United leapfrog Sheriff and move into second place in Group E, three points behind leaders Real Sociedad.
With the English club’s schedule heavily affected by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Ten Hague’s side next play against rivals Manchester City in a fortnight at the Etihad Stadium.
Talking Point – Unified is getting better with every game.
It was not a classic. Indeed, there was a significant disparity in quality between the two sides, which is to be expected given United’s wealth.
Yet there are plenty of positives for the ten Hague to take back to Manchester. Ronaldo scored a much-needed goal, Sancho also scored, and was central to much of United’s play. Christian Eriksen continued to command things in midfield. New signing Casemiro started some more minutes for his new club.
All in all, it was a worthwhile but unspectacular day at the office.
Of course, one cannot draw too many conclusions about United from tonight’s show, but the club seems to be on the rise. Winning is a habit and the Hague-based side have now come out on top in four of their last five games, the exception being last Thursday’s Europa League hiccup against Sociedad.
Player of the Match – Jadon Sancho
It wasn’t a game that produced a particularly standout performance. Nevertheless, Sancho took his goal in style and put in a fine performance just hours after Gareth Southgate was left out of the England squad.
He has now scored three goals in his last six appearances for United colours, which is as many as he has scored in his previous 24 appearances.
Player ratings
Sheriffs: Kowal – 6, Zahoori – 6, Kiki – 5, Radeljic – 8, Kopozo – 6, Badolo – 7, Kiabo – 6, Diop – 7, Rashid – 7, Atimween – 7, Ouattara – 7… Subs: Madasaru – 6, Pernambuco – 6, Geddes – 6 //
Manchester United: De Gea – 6, Dalot – 7, Varane – 7, Martinez – 7, Malaysia – 7, McTominay – 7, Eriksen – 8, Antony – 7, Fernandez – 7, Sancho – 8, Ronaldo – 7… Sub Lists: Maguire – N/A, Casemiro – 6, Shaw – 7, Elanga – 6, Garnacho
