Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his return to action for Manchester United, who registered a 3-0 win over Sheriff in UEFA Europa League action on Thursday night.
UEFA Europa League
Result: Manchester United 3-0 Sheriff
Date: 27 October 2022
Venue: Old Trafford
Man United recalled Cristiano Ronaldo from a club suspension to lead the attack alongside a rare start for Alejandro Garnacho, who joined Bruno Fernandes and Antony in the forward line behind Ronaldo.
The Red Devils looked to settle into the game with a string of passes, with Christian Eriksen particularly linking up play but they were not aggressive in the final third.
Erik ten Hag's charges, however, increased their intensity towards the half-hour mark as Ronaldo had a golden chance to break the deadlock after a header by Fernandes put him through on goal in the six-yard box but his toe-poked effort drew a reflex save from goalkeeper Maksym Koval with his right foot.
United found the encouragement to remain on the front foot as two minutes later Koval made a double save to deny firstly Eriksen's long range effort and thwarted a strike from the rebound by Fernandes.
The hosts remained persistent going forward and Diogo Dalot eventually broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime with a free header at the near post after a corner by Eriksen.
Ten Hag made his intentions clear of putting the Sheriff under pressure with an attacking change from the interval, as Marcus Rashford replaced Antony.
However, United were kept at bay by Sheriff who were defending deep and in numbers and their first chance of the second stanza fell to Ronaldo shortly before the hour-mark but his attempted shot aimed at the top corner flew over the crossbar.
The Red Devils gained momentum from there as Rashford doubled their lead six minutes later with a neat header at the near post after a cross by Luke Shaw.
United continued to hold Sheriff in and around their box and Rashford came close to making adding his seocnd with 12 minutes remaining after he fired a low curling strike that was pushed around the post by Koval.
Ten Hag's men found spaces in the visitors' low block and Ronaldo eventually put the game beyond doubt for United three minutes later with a close-range finish at the back post after his initial header was saved by Koval.
The Red Devils threatened to run riot in the dying minutes, as Koval denied Scott McTominay from point-blank range.
United qualified for the knockout stages and kept their hopes of finishing top of the group alive with the last group game against leaders Real Sociedad.
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