Manchester United have beaten FC Sheriff to set up a Europa League Group E showdown against Real Sociedad.
The Red Devils dominated their Moldovian opponents from start to finish. Oozing class and creative superiority, Erik Ten Hag will be delighted with his team following what was a truly dominating display.
Although Thursday night’s result means United remain in second place in their group, given the fact just three points separate them from leaders Real Sociedad, next week’s away game in Spain will now be a group-topper decider.
Failure to beat the La Liga outfit by at least two clear goals will see the Red Devils finish second and be forced to play a two-legged play-off against a team who failed to progress out of their Champions League group. This could include the likes of Barcelona.
But back to tonight’s game – in light of what was a great performance all around, we have rated every United player who featured.
David De Gea
Easiest game he’ll play all season. 6/10
Diogo Dalot
Great performance. Topped off with a goal in the first half before being subbed off for Luke Shaw at half-time. 7/10
Victor Lindelof
Looked solid alongside Martinez and then Maguire in the second half. Played several great balls. 7/10
Lisandro Martinez
Another good performance from United’s new fan-favourite but admittedly, given very little to do. Earned a well-deserved rest and was subbed off at half-time for Maguire. 7/10
Tyrell Malacia
Quiet game overall but must have pleased his manager because he stayed on for the duration. 5/10
Casemiro
The Brazilian’s dominating presence allowed United’s attackers to keep coming at Sheriff. Excellent again. 7/10
Christian Eriksen
The Dane’s performance may go under the radar but his range of passing was a joy to watch all night – a creative masterclass from the former Spurs and Inter Milan playmaker. 8/10
Bruno Fernandes
Quiet game by his standards but did have moments where his quality showed. 6/10
Antony
Bemused BT Sport’s commentary team when he picked the ball up, rotated twice and then passed it straight out of play. Awful 45-minute cameo and was rightfully hauled off at half-time. 3/10
Alejandro Garnacho
First start of the season for the Argentine and he would have definitely impressed his manager. Oozed confidence and looked like a threat throughout. May be hard for Jadon Sancho to wrestle his place back in time for West Ham on the weekend. 7/10
Cristiano Ronaldo
Looked like he was going to go another game without scoring but finally found the back of the net with 10 minutes to go. What is it they say about form being temporary and class being permanent? 6/10
Subs:
Luke Shaw
Came on at half-time and made an impact. Delivered a superb ball to Marcus Rashford, who emphatically converted with his head. 7/10
Marcus Rashford
Scored an excellent headed goal after just 20 minutes of being on the pitch. This is the sharpest the Englishman has looked in years. 7/10
Scott McTominay
Solid all around. No notable errors were made. 6/10
Harry Maguire
Hard task coming on and filling in for Martinez but the England international did well. Tonight’s reintroduction to first-team action will do his confidence a world of good. 6/10
Donny van de Beek
N/A
