Manchester United achieved their first win of the Europa League group stage on matchday two. The Red Devils beat FC Sheriff 2-0 in Moldova. First-half goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo helped United to all three points.
Manager Erik ten Hag fielded a very solid starting XI that night. Ronaldo, Sancho, Antony and Bruno Fernandes completed a powerful front four for the Red Devils. Sancho, who was snubbed today by England manager Gareth Southgate, opened the scoring for United in the 17th minute of the game. The winger showed clever footwork to dance through the Sheriff’s defense and put his team ahead.
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Defender Diogo Dalot was brought down in the area some 20 minutes later. Ronaldo came forward to take the penalty and converted it to make it 2-0. The goal was the superstar’s first of the season, but 699th for the club in his illustrious career.
Although United won the match fairly comfortably, Sheriff managed more total shots than the visitors.
Other results on the second day of the Europa League
Lazio, however, were shocked 5-1 by Midtjylland in Denmark. Although the Danish club is currently struggling domestically, they put in a strong performance against White and Sky Blues. Midtjylland had five different scorers on the night. Despite the dominant display, Lazio managed 65% possession in the match. Midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scored his team’s only goal of the match.
Not to be outdone, Feyenoord outscored Austrian Sturm Graz with six goals in the other Group F game. The Dutch club scored four times in the first half, including a brace from Alireza Jahanbakhsh. Now, the four teams in the group are tied on three points.
Roma also bounced back after a disappointing first round of the competition. The Serie A club thrashed HJK 3-0. The visitors were reduced to 10 men after Miro Tenho was sent off for denying a clear chance on goal in the 15th minute of the game. Roma were unable to capitalize on the advantage until the second half.
Half-time substitute Paulo Dybala scored just two minutes after being introduced. Lorenzo Pellegrini doubled the hosts’ lead moments later. Summer signing Andrea Belotti put the finishing touches on the Finnish club. It was the Italian’s first goal with his new team.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Images News
