Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 701st goal for Manchester United in a convincing Europa League victory against Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford.
After being given a starting position by manager Erik ten Hag, it seemed as if Cristiano Ronaldo was destined not to score after being dropped for last weekend’s trip to Chelsea as retribution for refusing to enter as a substitute against Tottenham eight days earlier.
However, the legendary Portuguese player connected with a Bruno Fernandes cross with nine seconds remaining. Ronaldo pounced to secure United’s most significant victory of the season and extend their undefeated streak to seven games after Sheriff goalie Maxym Koval made a low save.
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was a successful conclusion to a trying week.
According to Ten Hag, “He kept going and the team continued trying to put him in the correct place.” “To position himself properly, he continued on. He persisted, and I believe that’s what he’s done throughout his career, and in the end, he was rewarded for it.”
For United, it set up a Europa League group-deciding meeting against Real Sociedad in Spain the following week.
The Premier League team must overcome Real Sociedad by two goals to top the group and avoid a play-off where they may face European powerhouses Barcelona, Juventus, or Atletico Madrid.
A minute before halftime, Diogo Dalot headed in Christian Eriksen’s corner from close range to give the home team the lead.
Midway through the second quarter, Luke Shaw’s left-wing cross was headed in by substitute Marcus Rashford.