Manchester United won their first UEFA Europa League match of the season by defeating Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 in the Moldovan capital of Chisinau. Cristiano Ronaldo debuted in the Europa League by scoring a penalty after an excellent finish by Jadon Sancho in the 17th minute.
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Manchester United’s good run in the season was halted last week with the Europa League opening loss to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. Erik Ten Hag pushed the club back to the winning ways.
How Manchester United defeated Sheriff
Man Utd started slowly in the match but converted their first actual attack. Summer signing, midfielder Christian Eriksen sent a reverse pass to Jadon Sancho who turned the defenders to calmly dispatch the ball into the net. It was Sancho’s 3rd goal of the season and firmly sent a message to England’s National team coach Gareth Southgate of his abilities after being left out of the squad for Nations League matches against Germany and Italy.
After going ahead inside the first 20 minutes of the match, United remained composed and searched for more. Defender Patrick Kpozo fouled Diogo Dalot inside the box, awarding a penalty to Man Utd. Cristiano Ronaldo converted the spot-kick to score his first goal of the season and in the Europa League. This was Ronaldo’s 699th club-level goal.
He came close to scoring his 700th but sent the ball over from the edge. Jadon Sancho came close to scoring his 2nd of the night but his low shot was defended and sent off by center-back and Sheriff captain Stjepan Radeljic.
Sheriff midfielder Cedric Badolo’s long-range shot and the free kick went straight to United’s goalkeeper David de Gea. Iyayi Atiemwen had chances too, but his shot bounced wide before he curled a free kick barely over the bar.
Christian Eriksen has adjusted the man-of-the-match award for his brilliant performance.
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Sheriff struggled during the match to make an impact and even after attempting 11 shots could only hit on target 2 times. The club made waves last season after one of the biggest upsets in European Football history by defeating ultimate winners Real Madrid 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League.
Some of the players have departed from the squad since that memorable victory including the manager Yuriy Vernydub who left to join Ukraine’s defense forces following the Russian invasion. Manchester United sits 2nd in Group E with one win and defeat each. Real Sociedad defeated Omonia 2-1 and sits on top with 2 wins and 6 points. Sheriff is 3rd with 1 win and defeat each and must rally now to secure playoff chances.
Reaction from manager Erik Ten Hag
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Manchester United’s weekend fixture against Leeds United remains postponed due to Queen Elizabeth’s funeral processions. The club’s next outing will be after the international break when they travel to Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in the Manchester derby.
