Cristiano Ronaldo news: Manchester United recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Moldova’s Sheriff Tiraspol in yesterday’s UEFA Europa League group stage match.
Despite having a slow start to the match, the Red Devils soon took the lead with a goal from Jadon Sancho.
Tiraspol then created a few chances of its own. However, when Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty in the final minutes of the first half, United got their goal for sure. In the second half, United were in complete control of the match but failed to score more goals.
With Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first goal of the season, let’s take a look at the top 3 takeaways from his performance.
Cristiano Ronaldo News: Breaking His Duck
Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has finally cracked the duck this season. After failing to secure a place in ten Hag’s starting lineup, Ronaldo was finally able to start in the last match.
Like the United teams, Ronaldo had a slow start to the game. However, as the match progressed, he began to get more involved.
Finally, when his compatriot Diogo Dalot was fouled in the penalty area in the 39th minute, United were awarded a penalty. Ronaldo then got to his feet and nailed the chance from the spot. The goal was celebrated throughout the Zimbru Stadium with Ronaldo’s characteristic ‘siu’.
Match the sharpness
Although Ronaldo scored the important goal from the penalty spot, his performance was far from his golden days.
The main reason Erik ten Hag pulled Ronaldo out of the starting eleven was his unwillingness to press after losing the ball. This time, there was an intention on Ronaldo’s part to put pressure on the opponent. However, he clearly lacked sharpness and got frustrated several times.
Ronaldo’s finishing, which is considered the best part of his game, was not at its best as the Portuguese international squandered some clear scoring chances.
The 37-year-old striker has lost much of his electric pace. This became clear when he was penalized for stomping on Cedric Badolo’s ankle.
Cristiano Ronaldo News: Link Play
In recent times, the Portuguese superstar has often been criticized for not getting involved in the preparation. However, at least this was not the case in Moldova.
Despite getting off to a slow start, the Portugal captain began to get involved in the match. In the first half, he deftly let go of compatriot Bruno Fernandes with a brilliant through ball. However, Bruno was unable to control it when the sheriff’s custodian, Maksym Koval, put pressure on him.
So, in the second half, Ronaldo sank much deeper and tried to connect the midfield with the wingers. He created another opportunity when his smart move found Bruno in space.
Minutes later, Ronaldo almost found himself at the end of a brilliant cross from Eriksen. Although the performance was far from ideal by the former Real Madrid striker, this could give him enough of a boost ahead of the upcoming Nations League matches.
