Manchester United recorded their first Europa League win of the 2022-2023 season as they cruised to a 2-0 win on the road in Moldova against Sheriff Tiraspol. United received goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The result moved United up to second in the Europa League Group E standings behind Sociedad.
“Difficult start, the opponent played direct and we lost too many second balls at the start of the game,” Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said.
Prior to the match, ten Hag made it clear he wanted his United players to be focused for the match against Sheriff Tiraspol, warning against the sort of complacency that has been a massive Achilles heel for the club in recent memory
“I think when we found a better formation, especially over the left side, we began to play between the lines and scored a great goal. From that moment on, we dictated the game totally.
The reason we have another clean sheet is that we were good in possession, but also because we defended really well. With Raphael Varane in there as the leader, he puts everyone in the right position, and he fits together really well with Lisandro Martinez. The two full-backs also did their job really well.”
Ronaldo finding the back of the net notched his 699th club goal for his career.
“Ronaldo needed that goal,” ten Hag added. “Many times he came close, but he wanted that so much. We are happy for him and the team wanted to bring him a goal. You know that Cristiano will score a penalty.”
Sancho clearly had something to prove this week after Gareth Southgate decided to leave him out of the final squad prior to the World Cup. Sancho’s three goals this season aremore than goals scored by Jack Grealish and Jarrod Bowen combined.
“It is unfortunate that I didn’t get the call-up but I have to keep focusing on myself and keep working hard, week-in and week-out,” Sancho said. “So that is what I am going to do.”
Christian Eriksen’s record vs. Sheriff Tiraspol: assist for Tottenham (2013); assist for Tottenham (2013); assist for Manchester United (2022). He’s recorded an assist in all three of his appearances against Sheriff.
With the recent stoppage in play in the Premier League, Manchester United had 2+ weeks off before a marquee matchup against Manchester City. They will be back in Europa League action as well later in October.
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