(Football news) Manchester United got their Europa League campaign up and running with a 2-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol at Stadionul Zimbru. The Red Devils lost their first Group Stage game to Real Sociedad 1-0 at Old Trafford but Erik ten Hag’s side responded well this time around with Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo getting on the scoresheet. Sancho, who was left out of England’s squad for the World Cup responded brilliantly by scoring in the 17th minute, capitalising on a reverse pass by Christian Eriksen while Ronaldo scored his 699th goal for his club career and his first of the season. The result meant that Manchester United are now second in the Group behind Real Sociedad while Sheriff are third.

The Red Devils were second best right from the start but found the breakthrough in the 17th minute when Sancho finished off a well worked move to score his third goal of the season. The 22 year old could have doubled his tally after getting a pass from Antony but his effort couldn’t go past Sheriff goalkeeper Maksym Koval. Two minutes after that, Ronaldo doubled Manchester United’s advantage from the penalty spot sending Koval the wrong way following a reckless challenge by Sheriff defender Patrick Kpozo on Diogo Dalot. Ronaldo was on the verge of scoring his 700th goal after being teed up with Eriksen but a vital touch by Radeljic eliminated any chance of another goal.

Speaking after the match, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said “Difficult start, the opponent played direct and we lost too many second balls at the start of the game. I think when we found a better formation, especially over the left side, we began to play between the lines and scored a great goal. From that moment on, we dictated the game totally. The reason we have another clean sheet is that we were good in possession, but also because we defended really well. With Raphael Varane in there as the leader, he puts everyone in the right position, and he fits together really well with Lisandro Martinez. The two full-backs also did their job really well. 

"I'm really pleased with Sancho. Another goal, and he scored already many goals in pre-season, now this is his third goal in the season. But also he was involved in Bruno Fernandes' goal at Southampton. He's doing well, but I think there is much more room for improvement for him because he has so much skills to bring on the pitch. So when he has more belief I think he can be more productive. Ronaldo needed that goal. Many times he came close, but he wanted that so much. We are happy for him and the team wanted to bring him a goal. You know that Cristiano will score a penalty." 

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