Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his return to Manchester United’s starting line-up as the Red Devils dominated their Moldovan opponents.
Diogo Dalot opened the scoring before the break before half-time substitute also used his head to double United’s lead. Ronaldo sealed the win after pouncing on a rebound.
The victory was more than deserved but United still have a task on their hands to finish top of the group.
Garnacho thrives on senior debut
Alejandro Garnacho was handed his first start of his senior club career – and I thought he was man of the match – attacking from the left flank.
You could see why there is so much excitement surrounding the 18-year-old as he caused havoc for Sheriff’s defenders. They had no other choice but to just take him down on several occasions, so he is a player who will attract fouls.
The Argentine youth international impressed Ten Hag in his confident 78-minute cameo, despite not registering a goal or assist on the night.
Antony’s showboasting causes a stir
Antony played well before coming off at half-time. Ten Hag had the weekend in the back of his mind when he took Antony and Lisandro Martinez off at half-time, even if pundits want to pretend it was because of his ‘spinning’ trickery before the interval.
BT Sport co-commentator Robbie Savage went in hard on Antony by saying he’d ‘drag’ him off the pitch for showboating in such a fashion. Talk about over-exaggerating!
The Brazil international performed a double pirouette on the ball – before sending a pass out of play.
If anything, I would encourage more flair from players like Antony, even if it looks a bit silly at times. I saw the trick as a gesture to our opponents – that it was too easy as they parked the bus.
Thankfully United went on to win 3-0.
Ronaldo scores… of course he does
Two of Ronaldo’s three goals this season have come against FC Sheriff in the Europa League. He returned to the line-up tonight after being axed from the squad for unprofessionalism. As a critic in recent times, I’ll credit him on the response but I’m not sure about the ‘SUII’ sounds heard around the ground.
This is a player who has disrespected the club on more than one occasion in recent months. He played well, scored his goal, but I won’t be forgetting his recent antics.
