Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s team won with a simple win thanks to a goal from Diogo Dalot in the first half and one each by Marcus Rashford, Ronaldo and Ronaldo in second. They secured their place in the knockouts, but face a difficult road to the Europa League last-16.
The hosts pounded the net with their Moldovan opponents, Ronaldo coming closest just before 30 minutes. He scored a header back across the goalmouth but it was somehow blocked.
Just before the break, Dalot rose above Sheriff defense and sent a bullet head past Maksym Kval. He dealt with five shots per frame of the total 13 by United in that half.
After missing the eight previous games due to a hamstring injury, Harry Maguire, defender, came on for the second-half.
Ronaldo was not included in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea because of disciplinary reasons. However, he heard cheers from Old Trafford fans in the second period despite sending a wide-open goal from the top of his area that was well beyond the goal.
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Man United No. The Man United No. 7 had the ball in the net shortly after. However, the linesman flag was up for offside. Ronaldo responded by throwing the ball into the stands.
United’s second goal was achieved by Luke Shaw with a lovely ball and a great header from Rashford. Ten Hag enjoyed a double-digit lead and the match was effectively ended with an overmatched Sheriff.
Ronaldo was able to score the goal, smashing his own rebound into the net. He then pointed triumphantly at the crowd to celebrate.
Real Sociedad, Group E’s leaders, won the second-placed match. United will need to beat a Champions League third-place finisher to reach the round of 16.
