Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the season as Manchester United opened their Europa League campaign with a 2-0 win at Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday.
The win moves Erik ten Hag’s team into second place in Group E, three points behind leaders Real Sociedad, who defeated Ononia 2-1 in the section’s other clash. Jadon Sancho scored in the 17th minute, and Ronaldo scored late in the first half.
Jadon Sancho finishes off a lovely Man United move 😍
After being left out from the England squad earlier today, the forward responds by scoring the opener in Moldova 👊#UEL pic.twitter.com/qJYvDXEvsB
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 15, 2022
Mouhamed Diop found himself free outside the Man United zone in the 12th minute, but his shot was always moving high of David de Gea’s goal.
In the 15th minute, Ronaldo went down inside the area under pressure from Gaby Kiki, but the referee appeared uninterested.
In the 23rd minute, Iyayi Atiemwen fired wide of the away goal, with Sheriff appearing dangerous when they were able to work space in forwards areas.
Ronaldo was the next to try his luck, breaking into a shooting position after good work from Antony, but his effort was always going over the crossbar.
Sancho came within inches of scoring a second goal for Manchester United late in the first half, but his shot was cleared off the line by Stjepan Radeljic.
In the 39th minute, Diogo Dalot was fouled by Patrick Kpozo, and Ronaldo stepped up to score his first goal of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 699 career goals at club level ⚽️
He now has his first in Europa League competition…#UEL pic.twitter.com/sQ2oLp88EA
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 15, 2022
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Bruno Fernandes came close to adding a third goal for Manchester United early in the second half, but the home goalkeeper stopped his low effort.
Soon after, Christian Eriksen produced a fantastic cross towards Ronaldo, but Radeljic was on hand to make a fine clearing, leaving the Portuguese waiting for his second goal.
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