On a night when Manchester United needed goals to keep alive their chances of qualifying top of their Europa League group, Manchester United comfortably edged Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0.
The Red Devils huffed and puffed in the first half before taking the lead through a fine header from Diogo Dalot just before half time.
The second half was much better, especially after the introduction of substitutes Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw. The two combined for United’s second of the night with Shaw’s cut guided home by Rashford.
United run rampant in the second half
The game was closed by Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored his third of the season. It was an important goal considering his recent miss and subsequent exile from him.
Erik ten Hag will be pleased with his team’s performance in the second half, especially considering that goal difference is likely to be the key to seeing who goes straight to the round of 16.
Real Sociedad won by two goals and that is why the Reds need a three-goal win on the last day.
The Dutch boss has been showing how strict he is with discipline and Antony was the last to feel his wrath after his first-half bravado led to his substitution at half-time.
One player who seems to be an integral part of United’s recent goals is Shaw. It was his cross that guided Casemiro to the draw against Chelsea last week.
On Thursday, his introduction injected much-needed pace into the left flank and his center was exemplary, as usual.
Shaw’s introduction, the game changer.
He might have gotten a few more assists if it weren’t for excellent saves from Sheriff’s goalkeeper Maksym Koval, who saved point-blank efforts from Ronaldo and Scott McTominay.
His understanding with Rashford was crucial in United finally overwhelming a stubborn Sheriff defense on the night.
It was good to see Harry Maguire and Donny van de Beek return to the first team, while Alejandro Garnacho also impressed with his direct style of play.
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