Manchester United registered their first Europa League win this season with a 2-0 victory away to Sheriff Tiraspol.
A cool finish from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo’s 699th career club goal were enough to see the Red Devils bounce back after losing their opening group stage contest to Real Sociedad last week.
Sheriff had their tails up early on having won their opening game in the competition last week, and knowing they managed to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League last season. But they were unable to prove giant killers again, succumbing to a professional United performance in the two clubs’ first competitive meeting.
It took some time for United to truly work their way into the game despite spells of possession, with Sheriff not afraid to press high up early on.
Their wingers barely saw the ball as a result in the opening stages, but when Jadon Sancho did get involved for essentially the first time after 17 minutes, he tucked away a brilliant goal following sublime footwork and a smart pass from Christian Eriksen.
Sheriff did cause United problems when they got on the ball with Iyayi Atiemwen impressing, not being afraid to try and test David de Gea where possible. They had a clear plan to stifle United when the visitors tried to attack, though, committing fouls to stop them progressing the ball.
As the half grew on, those fouls became more common as United found a stride when in possession. Antony latched onto a poor pass from the goalkeeper and fed Sancho on the left, who was denied a brace by a brilliant clearance off the line from captain Stjepan Radeljic
Unfortunately, his brilliant clearance meant little as a minute later, Diogo Dalot was fouled inside the penalty area, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to make it 2-0 from the spot after 39 minutes. His first goal of the season sent United into half-time in a strong position.
Erik ten Hag’s side remained firmly in the driver’s seat after the break, with Sheriff unable to win the ball back from United and break up their lengthy spells of possession.
Eriksen peeled off to the left flank after 56 minutes and floated a fine, low cross across the box, but more brilliant defending from Radeljic diverted the ball away from Ronaldo and denied him of his 700th career club goal.
Sheriff, while not doing enough to test De Gea, gave a solid account of themselves and did continue to try and burst forward in the latter stages of the game. United were well-drilled, though, and diffused any counter attacks…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at 90min EN…