Goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo ensured the first Europa League victory of the season for Manchester United on Thursday night away at Sheriff.
MATCH PROCEEDINGS
United were caught on the back foot in the opening stages of the game as the home side created pressure in front of the goal with Mouhamed Diop shooting over from long range.
Eric ten Hag’s side, however, had their lead to cherish come the 17th minute with midfield man Christian Eriksen teeing up Jadon Sancho to find the back of the net.
The visitors amped up their attacking play before the half time interval as Sancho had his effort for a second cleared off the line but the wait did not last long with Diogo Dalot brought down in the penalty box and a penalty coming United’s way.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and doubled his side’s lead with the Portuguese superstar opening his account for the season and getting his 699th club career goal in the process,
Sheriff goalkeeper Maxym Koval was called into action to make a good stop to deny Bruno Fernandes in the early exchanges of the second period with United looking fresh as ever in the final third.
Ten Hag brought new players off the bench with wing-back Luke Shaw delivering a smart cross into the box only for no United shirt to head it home.
The Red Devils did just enough to get past the finish line on their travels to Moldova and secured a win of much importance in their second group stage outing.
