Manchester United secured a 3-0 win over Sheriff with Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo amongst the goals. The Reds are now second in Group E and must beat Real Sociedad by a two-goal margin if they want to finish top of the group. United boss Erik ten Hag made a few changes to the side, which drew with Chelsea, with Alejandro Garnacho making his first competitive start.
Manchester United vs Sheriff Match Summary
The hosts began the game with intent and could have had the game wrapped up in the first half. Sheriff rarely left their own half, while United made chance after chance. Ronaldo should have put his side in front, when Bruno Fernandes put it on a plate for the striker. Christian Eriksen saw his long-range effort well saved and Fernandes’ curling effort went just wide of the target.
Dalot opened the scoring, after getting himself on the receiving-end of Eriksen’s in-swinging corner. The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Red Devils controlling possession and Sheriff sitting back. Rashford doubled United’s advantage with a lovely header into the top corner before Ronaldo finally got his goal.
United’s number seven had endured a miserable night, however he got his first Old Trafford goal in typical Ronaldo fashion. Fernandes found Ronaldo in the box only for the Sheriff keeper to make a wonderful save, but Ronaldo pounced first to put away the rebound. The full time whistle went and the Reds now have it all to play for in Spain.
Manchester United vs Sheriff Player Ratings
David de Gea 7/10
Had nothing to do all night with United playing the entire game in the opposition’s half.
Diogo Dalot 8/10
Continued his fine form in this match and got his first goal of the season with a bullet header. Was quiet before his goal and got a well-deserved rest at halftime. Promising stuff from the Portuguese fullback.
Victor Lindelof 7/10
Made some crunching tackles and deal with everything thrown his way-although there wasn’t much. Will probably keep his place for the game against West Ham on Sunday.
Lisandro Martinez 6/10
Like Lindelof, he didn’t have much work to do. Saw plenty of the ball early on. Replaced at the break by Maguire.
Tyrell Malacia 6/10
Energetic on his return to the side and was switched to right back to allow Shaw to go to left back and to allow Dalot to get some much-needed rest.
Casemiro 7/10
Dictated the game and was as aggressive as ever. Was taken off with 30 minutes remaining, which indicates that he will probably keep his place for the West Ham game.
Christian Eriksen 8/10
Perhaps United’s best player. Was at his creative best-especially in the first half. Made numerous chances and also tested the keeper. A brilliant display from the Dane.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
Wasn’t at his best in the first half, but did go close with his effort from outside of the box. Went to the right in the second half so ten Hag could experiment with Rashford in the ten position. Could have had a few assists, but finally got one when Ronaldo found the back of the net.
Antony 6/10
Provided some tricks and entertainment in the first half, although his skills were publicly criticised by pundits. Taken off at the break for a rest ahead of Sunday’s match.
Alejandro Garnacho 7/10
A scintillating full debut. Never showed any signs of nerves and was positive throughout. Won numerous free kicks with his pace and tricks. Deserves to get more minutes in the first team. A very promising display.
Cristiano Ronaldo 7/10
With all the cameras on his yet again, Ronaldo responded with a goal, although he should have had a few more. Much more involved in United’s build up play. A good response from the 37-year-old.
Subs
Harry Maguire 6/10
A solid cameo after making his return from injury. Got some much-needed minutes with Varane sidelined until after the World Cup.
Marcus Rashford 7/10
Grabbed his sixth goal of the season with a fine header. Looked a threat in the number ten position.
Scott McTominay 6/10
Saw his header saved late on.
Luke Shaw 7/10
Got another assist, this time setting up Rashford.
Donny van de Beek 6/10
Lively and involved after making his return from injury.
Manager Erik ten Hag 7/10
Made some changes to give players a rest and took off some of the regulars throughout the game. Gave Garnacho his first start and the youngster provided energy and entertainment.
