Cristiano Ronaldo has been pushed to the corner many times only for him to turn back and make a sensational return which often the world would witness with pride. It was one such instance as the Portuguese talisman returned to the main team after he was suspended for leaving the stadium early after Erik ten Hag refused to use him as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspurs in the Premier. But after a single game suspension the Portuguese is back in the lineup and he also scored on his return marking his mental strength as a superstar who has gone through so much in the past couple of weeks. Yet he came up and scored his 701st career club goal helping Manchester United to qualify for the knockouts in Europa League.
The 37-year-old did not have his best start as he missed a few chances before finding his mojo and scoring the goal. Looking at his ability to fight through adversity, Erik ten Hag said, “He kept going and the team kept going to put him in the right position. He kept going to get himself in the right position.”
“He didn’t give up. I think that is what his whole career (is about). That’s why he is so good. In the end, he gets the reward for it,” highlighted the Dutch tactician as he was delighted to see the Portuguese on the scoresheet after what happened in the last couple of weeks.
It was Diogo Dalot who opened the scoring for the Red Devils right at the end of the first half helping Erik ten Hag’s men to enter the dressing room at the break with some momentum. The second half saw Marcus Rashford double the scoring around the 65th minute whereas Cristiano Ronaldo added final touches to the victory with a third goal against Sheriff Tiraspol.
Despite the win and qualification to the Europa League knockouts, Manchester United are second in their group as they have 12 points from five games whereas La Liga outfit Real Sociedad are at the top of the group with a perfect record till now with five wins and 15 points. The final match of the group stage will be between two top teams to decide the group topper.
Manchester United will next host West Ham United as it will also see the return of David Moyes to Old Trafford. While Erik ten Hag will be looking to continue their winning run as they want to finish in Champions League places at least this season and for that they need to pick up points in consecutive games. The Red Devils are currently sixth in the Premier League table and the main aim will be to move up the table by picking up wins.
