[ad_1]
Manchester United picked up their first points of the Europa League season with a 2-0 win over Sheriff in Moldova on Thursday. Having lost their opening game at home to Real Sociedad, Erik ten Hag’s side had work to do in Group E but they rarely looked like struggling in Eastern Europe, brushing aside a team that had stunned Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League.
Jadon Sancho struck in the 17th minute to quell any early pressure from Sheriff, linking well with Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen before driving low into the bottom corner. From there United turned the screw and before the half was out the pressure had told, Patrick Kpozo clumsily bringing down Diogo Dalot.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up from the spot to score his first-ever goal in the Europa League. United needed no more from him or anyone else in a sedate second half as the Red Devils eased through their final game before the international break.
Here’s what to know:
Sancho makes his case to Southgate
Such is the strength in depth for England in attacking areas, there were plenty who might have felt aggrieved not to have been in Gareth Southgate’s plans. Sancho was certainly among those after a far better start to his second season with Manchester United than his first. That continued in Chisinau, starting with a calmly taken goal in the 17th minute, just as Sheriff pressure was beginning to build on the visiting penalty area.
As has so often been the case this season, Eriksen was giving the United forwards just the sort of service they needed. A precise pass from the Dane found Sancho just inside the penalty area, three quick steps and he was driving low past Maxym Koval. He might have had a second before the half was out, benefitting once more from the vision of a summer signing as Antony picked him out at the back post. Once more the Sheriff goalkeeper was beaten but Stjepan Radeljic made up ground in…
[ad_2]
Source : cbssports
