In a game dominated by the Reds, headed goals from Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford in each half were supplemented by a late Cristiano Ronaldo strike to seal the win.
As a result of our fourth win in the group stage, there will be a showdown next week at Real Sociedad to determine who takes the top spot and avoids a play-off against a third-placed side from the Champions League. After a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, United needs to win by at least two goals to defeat San Sebastian.
The visitors sat in a strong defensive shape with all 11 players behind the ball almost from the start, inviting the Reds to come at them. Erik ten Hag’s team had a firm grip on the game and created a steady stream of chances. Antony on the turn with a right-footed effort from the edge of the box was among the first. But his strike, which came after a nice Alejandro Garnacho run and a Ronaldo lay-off, was saved.
A finessed Bruno Fernandes strike curled narrowly wide before Ronaldo couldn’t quite poke in Fernandes’ header back across goal from a floated Victor Lindelof ball forward. But the Sheriff defence couldn’t stop Dalot’s header just before halftime, as he latched onto Christian Eriksen’s in-swinging corner on the edge of the six-yard box to give the Reds a deserved lead.
At halftime, the manager made two changes, including the introduction of Harry Maguire, who had recovered from an injury. The captain replaced Lisandro Martinez, and Rashford swapped places with Antony. Following the restart, the game followed a familiar pattern, with the away team doing all of the defending. Eriksen had an early chance to double the lead when Moussa Kyabou hauled him down just outside the area, but the Danish international sent the resulting free-kick over the crossbar. Ronaldo struck the ball past keeper Maxym Koval and into the net shortly after the hour mark, but the flag was raised for offside. Moments later, Rashford combined with fellow substitute Luke Shaw to plant a firm header.
Ronaldo scored with ten minutes remaining. Fernandes found his countryman with a wonderful cross, and while our no.7’s header was saved by Koval, he was first to the rebound to tuck away the game-winning goal. Late on, Donny van de Beek, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Marcus Rashford all had chances to score.
