September 15, (THEWILL) – On Thursday, Manchester United won 2-0 with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first ever Europa goal and first of the season against Sheriff, to get their UEFA Europa League campaign off the ground.
Erik ten Hag performed some limited rotation against the team that shocked Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last year and Ronaldo was chosen to lead the line. The resurgent Jadon Sancho gave United the lead and Ronaldo made it 2-0 with a clinically dispatch penalty.
The goal saw the Portuguese advance to 699 club goals, but he then missed a glaring opportunity to hit the 700 mark after the break, which could have been the icing on the cake for United, as they played with measured control to secure the victory and keep a clean sheet.
It was a much-needed three points after losing to Real Sociedad at home in their first Group E matchup last week. Due to postponements of English Premier League ties caused by Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, United will not play another EPL match until they take on rival and reigning champion, Manchester City on October 2, after the September International break.
On Sunday, however, Sheriff will play Zimbru Chisinau in the Moldovan first division.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
