Match report: FC Sheriff 0-2 Manchester United (Europa League)

Manchester United made amends for their Real Sociedad defeat by scoring 2 against Sheriff Tiraspol in a 2-0 win in the Europa League.

The fixture saw the same XI that beat Arsenal start against Sheriff, with one change in Cristiano Ronaldo in for the injured Marcus Rashford.

Two first half goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo was enough to see the Red Devils come away from Moldova with all three points.

Full match report

First Half

With United kicking off the fixture in their away white strip, Sheriff's initial tactics were obvious - they sent in a number of long and diagonal balls in the opening minutes over the top of the United defenders, bypassing the Red Devil's midfield. The first signs of life for United started around 10 minutes in with some intricate play between Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay, however the move quickly dissipated and nothing came from it.

A penalty shout was made at around minute 15 with Ronaldo going down in the area, however nothing was given, and two minutes later, United had the ball in the back of the net. Much like his Liverpool goal, Sancho received the ball, faked a shot to create space, and slotted the ball this time in to the bottom right hand corner to give United an early lead.

The goal encouraged the Red Devils significantly, who started to look much more alive once they had taken the lead. Fernandes and Eriksen start to try and find Ronaldo much more often.

Before half time, Sancho had a second goal denied with a brilliant goal-line clearance after Antony intercepted a pass from the goalkeeper. Shortly after, Diogo Dalot was fouled in the area and a penalty was awarded.

Up steps none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, and he finishes the penalty in lovely fashion straight down the middle to end his goal drought and get off the mark for the season as United end the half two goals up.

Second Half

Erik ten Hag made one change during half time, with Casemiro coming on to replace McTominay, no doubt in order to give the Brazilian more minutes under his belt.

The half started slowly despite Bruno Fernandes having an effort well saved, but it was much more comfortable than the first, with United dominating proceedings for the opening twenty minutes of the second half.

Shaw came on for his first minutes back since injury as Dalot came off for a rest, with Malacia moving to right-back, but as the timer rolled on, the result became ever more clear.

Although Sheriff definitely grew into the fixture as the clock continued, ultimately they could not create a comeback and once Anthony Elanga came on for Ronaldo and Sancho moved into the middle, the team saw their way to a clean sheet.

Harry Maguire and Alejandro Garnacho were sent on just before extra time to see out the victory.

Due to results elsewhere, Manchester United move up to 2nd in the group on a head-to-head record, as they have defeated Sheriff.