How Manchester United eased by Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 in Europa League thanks to goals by Ronaldo, Rashford, and Dalot

After today’s win, Cristiano Ronaldo tweeted: « We stand together. »

That was true…today.

The Manchester United manager spoke about the 18-year-old’s debut after the match: “I think it was a good performance. He did what I expected to do. He deserved a chance.

« With the last weeks I was happy with his work. More energy, more resilience. He can take players. It is a good capability in football, specially against opponents who defend so deep. But don’t forget, you are playing in a team.

« Young kids, they have to grow personality. It’s not about a trick or score one goal. We have to win games. You have to fulfill everyday really high standards. That’s what we have to teach to young players. »

Speaking after the match, the Manchester United manager elaborated on how he felt about Antony’s 720-degree spin in the first half: « I don’t have a problem with the spin as long it’s functional.

« I demand more from him, more runs in-behind, more tempo dribble, more dominance. A trick like this it’s nice, as long as is functional and you don’t lose the ball. If it’s doing a trick with no purpose, I will correct him. »

The Manchester United alumni were however impressed by Alejandro Garnacho’s first senior game for Manchester United:

Former Manchester United players Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves weren’t impressed by Antony’s first-half showboating. They spoke about it after the match on BT Sport:

Scholes said: “It’s just being a clown. I don’t think that’s skill or entertainment. »

Hargreaves said: “One spin is fine. The second one… you need to have skill with function. If he does that around somebody I would be jumping out my seat. He has come a very long way to be at Old Trafford to show that skill, but I want to see it closer to someone.”

The Manchester United manager substituted Antony at half-time, and many wondered whether it was in reaction to Antony’s flashy 720-degree spin in the first half.

Not so, according to Ten Hag: « (The substitution) was more or less planned. I wanted to see Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford together. »

Our Manchester United reporter Carl Anka is ready and waiting to answer your questions on tonight’s performance, including on a bright debut by Garnacho and whether Ronaldo’s goal means all is forgiven:

In Group E’s other match, Real Sociedad beat Omonia Nicosia 2-0 in Cyprus thanks to goals by Robert Navarro and Brais Mendez. The win ensures that Real Sociedad remain three points ahead of Manchester United ahead of next week’s group stage finale.

Jose Mourinho’s Roma won 2-1 away to HJK Helsinki, overtaking Ludogorets for second place in Group C.

And in the Europa Conference League, West Ham United maintained their perfect record in group play, topping Danish club Silkeborg 1-0 thanks to Manuel Lanzini’s penalty. West Ham have now clinched first place in their group.

A simple night at Old Trafford for the hosts, who clinch a place in Group E’s top two.

90+1′ Manchester United 3-0 Sheriff Tiraspol

Three minutes are added on. The die has long been cast in this one.

Rio Ferdinand celebrates Ronaldo’s goal:

81′ Manchester United 3-0 Sheriff Tiraspol

Ronaldo powers a header on target that Koval saves, but the forward pounces the quickest on the rebound and puts the ball in the back of the net. He points to the Old Trafford crowd as he celebrates.

79′ Manchester United 2-0 Sheriff Tiraspol

Fernandes tees up Garnacho in the Sheriff box off a corner kick routine and the debutante lashes a shot that flies just over the crossbar. What a moment for the 18-year-old that would’ve been!

It’s Garnacho’s last kick of the night, as he’s replaced by Donny van de Beek, who is making his first appearance in over two months.

Sheriff make two changes as well, their first of the night.

It hasn’t been a vintage performance tonight from the star man, who surely would like a goal to atone for his transgression from last week.

(Photo: Getty Images)