After a disastrous start to their Europa League campaign, Manchester United travelled to Moldova for their next match against Sheriff Tiraspol. This was a more comfortable outing than the last one, and Manchester United won (0-2) with goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Here are five things we learned from the game.
Ice cold, Sancho!
Since signing for United, Sancho has shown glimpses of what he can do but failed to be consistent. This seems to be changing in the last few games. He is now all over the opposition and scoring goals in such a cool, calm and collected manner that it is a joy to watch. In this game, he scored a sublime finish, especially with a point to prove after being left out of the England squad announced earlier during the day. He also showed class post-game when he wore and raised shin pads given to him by a fan. The future looks exciting young man!
Manchester United have a midfield maestro!
Getting Christian Eriksen on a free transfer this summer – is the best bit of business we have done in a while. Eriksen has hit the ground running and already put some fantastic performances in the Red Devils shirt. This evening was no different. Eriksen pulled the strings in the midfield, and his most notable contribution came from the through ball that Sancho slotted home for Manchester United’s first goal. It is quite visible that he will be heavily involved in Erik ten Hag’s plans this season.
Manchester United can defend!
Until a few weeks ago, there were serious questions around Manchester United’s backline. The likes of Maguire, Shaw, Wan-Bissaka and Lindelof were some of the consistent names on the team sheet. Ten Hag has made some bold moves by benching those big-name players and bringing in Malacia and Martinez. Diego Dalot looks like a proper right back under ten Hag, and his form keeps improving. Even David de Gea seems more comfortable with the likes of Varane and co. in front of him. United lacked a defensive partnership, and it looks like they found it.
Ronaldo scores his 699th goal!
Since ten Hag’s arrival, all the players have to earn their spot in the team. This also includes Cristiano Ronaldo. He has looked off-pace and lacking during the first few games of this season and, more surprisingly, did not have a goal under his name in Europa League. This changed during the match when Dalot was fouled in the opposition half, and United won a penalty. Ronaldo slotted home a calm and composed penalty to increase Manchester United’s lead to two goals and score his first goal of the competition and 699th goal of his club football career.
Manchester United need to be patient with Casemiro and Antony.
#GGMU #GlazersOut!
