Report: Sheriff 0 United 2

Thursday 15 September 2022 19:50

Manchester United recorded our first Europa League victory of the season, as we swept aside Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 at the Zimbru Stadium.

Jadon Sancho handed United an early lead with a tidy finish from the edge of the penalty area, before Cristiano Ronaldo hammered home his 699th club career goal, whilst opening his account for the season in the process.

As the second half ticked on, Erik ten Hag opted to rotate the side given the upcoming international break, with Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes going close to adding to our tally on the night. But it was to be a successful evening in Moldova, as we posted three points on the board. 

Cristiano Ronaldo fires home our second of the evening from the penalty spot

FIRST HALF

After a shaky start in Chisinau, Mouhamed Diop was the first player to try his luck for the hosts, shooting over from long range after 11 minutes.

Ronaldo's claims for an early penalty were waved away by referee Pawel Raczkowski soon after, as Ten Hag's side began to grow into proceedings.

After 17 minutes, United went ahead, with Sancho finding the net for the third time so far this season. The England international latched onto a clever inside pass from Christian Eriksen, before turning onto his left foot to slip home.

With half-time approaching, we stepped up our attacking approach, as, first, Sancho's second effort on goal was cleared off the line, following Antony's pin-point pass to pick him out.

The Reds were soon two goals to the good however, with Diogo Dalot brought down by Patrick Kpozo inside the area. Ronaldo duly stepped up, slamming home our second of the evening and his first of the campaign in the process.

SECOND HALF

Fernandes arrived brilliantly on the edge of the area as the second half sprung into life, forcing Sheriff goalkeeper Maxym Koval to make a smart save following the interval.

Ibrahim Rasheed then raced through on goal shortly after, with his lofted effort looping just a little too high to cause David De Gea any real problems. 

Ronaldo went in search of his second of the evening with a whole host of United players involved in the build-up. The Portugal international's effort unfortunately sailed a little too high, as Ten Hag's men continued to dominated proceedings. 

Substitute Luke Shaw looked to make an impact upon his introduction, breaking forward well down the left flank with 10 minutes remaining. His cross failed to pick out a red shirt, with Sancho again coming close with a header just moments later.

Anthony Elanga and Eriksen linked up well with time ticking down towards with the final whistle, with the attack again failing to come to any fruition.

But it was United who emerged with a vital three points, as we registered a vital first Europa League win of the season, as well as a clean sheet along the way in Moldova.

 

MATCH DETAILS

Sheriff: Koval; Kpozo, Radeljic (c), Kiki, Zohouri; Diop, Kyabou, Badolo; Ouattara (Pernambuco, 73), Atiemwen (Salifu, 81), Rasheed (Vizeu, 73).

Subs: Celeadnic, Pascenco, Heron, Moumouni, Guedes.

Bookings: Kpozo, Atiemwen.

United: De Gea; Malacia, Varane, Martinez (Maguire 90), Dalot (Shaw, 70); McTominay (Casemiro, 45), Eriksen; Antony (Garnacho 90), Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo (Elanga, 81).

Subs: Heaton, Vitek, Lindelof, Fred, Iqbal, McNeill.

Goals: Sancho 17, Ronaldo 39 (pen) 

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Short highlights of this game will be published below from midnight Central European Time. Longer versions, including the full 90 minutes, will be available from midnight on Friday.

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