Cristiano Ronaldo’s return from a one-game layoff had the grandstand finish he likes to produce: an 81st-minute goal that at least confirmed Manchester United’s qualification for the knockout round of the Europa League
For Erik ten Hag’s team to reach the round of 16 directly, they must overcome Real Sociedad in the last group game by two clear goals. If that’s a possibility rather than a probability, what’s more certain is how the timeless Ronaldo, still believing after a host of missed chances, was quick to tap home after Maksym Koval’s header was saved . The finish was a sweet response to his sending off for the Chelsea draw after refusing to come off the bench against Tottenham and coming off before the end.
Ten Hag said: “He kept going, he didn’t give up, that’s why he’s so good. To see Ronaldo score his goal was great. He created, the team created for him and we know he has the ability to finish I needed a goal and now I’m sure there will be more.”
After Ronaldo’s name was announced to loud applause, he hoped to resume what he loves to do: score goals. In this effort he had on his left full debutant Alejandro Garnacho, who according to Ten Hag has the “x factor”. That quality would be needed to break down Sheriff, who was content to sit deep, and Garnacho provided a burst of quality when a weaving run found Ronaldo. He fed Antoni, whose snapshot was picked up by Koval.
After a Christian Eriksen chip for Tyrell Malacia, who came close to playing at left-back, Casemiro headed the Dane’s corner past Stjepan Radeljic, the visiting captain.
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David Moyes looked back on a job well done after West Ham progressed to the last 16 of the Conference Europa League with a 1-0 win over Silkeborg.
Already assured of a place in the knockout stages, the Hammers needed just one point to be sure of topping Group B and avoid a two-legged play-off in February.
A first-half penalty from Manuel Lanzini (pictured) ensured they maintained their perfect record in Europe this season with a seventh win from their seven games in total.
“I thought we had a lot of the ball and controlled the game for long periods,” Moyes said. “The big thing tonight was that we didn’t score many goals. We were sorry, not to be clinical, but overall we deserved the win.
“Achieving it is already very important with the way the season is going. It’s a great recognition for the players of the last two years, to win the group last year and this year.”
Moyes was finally able to give a debut to Nayef Aguerd, the £30m summer signing of the Moroccan defender, who picked up an ankle injury in pre-season.
“I didn’t tell him it was starting until today,” added Moyes. “But he’s a good athlete and he’s in good shape. He doesn’t have enough training, but the game went well for him. He had a good time, he took part in some races, he did some challenges. It was a very good opening game. for him.”
The only concern was the absence of England World Cup hopeful Jarrod Bowen, with Moyes revealing the striker has an ankle injury which he hopes is not too serious. Average PA
Photograph: Jacques Feeney/Offside
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The flurry of chances continued as Garnacho cut in from the left and pointed Ronaldo, conceding another corner. The delivery was headed into the roof of the net by the Portuguese, but United had their opponents exactly where they wanted them: under siege.
Two goals in 12 appearances in this game had been a below par return for Ronaldo. The way he stepped forward and took a foot back to let fly only for Moussa Kyabou to smother him hinted at why: a crucial slowdown in the 37-year-old’s synapses that has dulled his edge. There was, however, nothing slow about Ronaldo’s run to a Bruno Fernandes cross, but from close range he wasted the opportunity.
Diogo Dalot comes on to break Manchester United’s deadlock against Sheriff. Photograph: Nigel French/PA
The Moldavian side, led by Victor Mihailov following the resignation of Stjepan Tomas earlier this week, were hanging on. Koval dived to his right to save Eriksen’s shot, then Bruno Fernandes hoped to tip the rebound towards Ronaldo but missed. The latter then dropped a shoulder and pulled the trigger from distance but Gaby Kiki blocked his effort.
United’s 77.2% possession at half-time told the story of the first 45 minutes, although there was a warning when Sheriff broke and Patrick Kpozo turned a ball that Rasheed Akanbi should have headed home head Eventually, however, Ten Hag’s men had their reward: Eriksen’s corner from the left was met by Diogo Dalot, who rose to beat Koval.
For the second half, Marcus Rashford replaced Antony, who perhaps failed to impress Ten Hag with a 720-degree turn before the break, while Lisandro Martinez made way for Harry Maguire. Of Antony’s trick, Ten Hag said, “I have no problem with it as long as it’s functional.”
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Rashford took Fernandes’ usual No.10 spot, the Portuguese moved to the right to replace the departed Antony – a Ten Hag move designed to take advantage of Rashford’s pace directly behind Ronaldo.
Patience and poise were required to double the advantage. Garnacho was very lacking in the second quality when marking a regulation center from the right; much better was the run of darts and the ball moments after it touched the penalty area.
The sheriff cleared it up, but only to see the men in red continue to gain possession. Ronaldo’s next contribution was to take a touch from Eriksen, turn to the right and, with Koval’s goal pleading, somehow fire away. His reaction, of deep disappointment, was understandable. When he volleyed only to see the flag raised, frustration caused Ronaldo to crash the ball into the Stretford End, but it illustrated an ever-increasing sharpness.
United’s second strike was a simple affair. Luke Shaw, another substitute, shook hands with Rashford, who headed home convincingly for his sixth goal of the campaign. Garnacho deserved his applause when he was taken out, although Ten Hag revealed his earlier trepidation. “I wasn’t happy with him – his attitude, young kids have to grow up and know what the laws of top-level football are,” he said.
Once again, however, Ronaldo took over the narrative.