Manchester United bounced back in their journey in the Europa League as they defeated Moldovan outfit FC Sheriff on Thursday. The Premier League side was handed the lead by in form winger Jadon Sancho followed by a penalty converted by Cristiano Ronaldo which saw the Red Devils finish off the game with a 2-0 scoreline.
This was the first win for Manchester United in the Europa League this season after they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Real Sociedad in the opener. It was refreshing to see Jadon Sancho step up finally after enduring a tough debut season in Old Trafford. He could only net five goals in 38 appearances last season but this season he has turned up big time for Erik ten Hag’s men. Sancho has already scored three times in eight appearances and his performances have impressed the Dutch boss.
After the match Erik ten Hag told MUTV, “After the first 10 minutes we found our formation, we were more secure, we had some good movements on the ball in the middle of the park, we kept the ball and in right moments we split up, we make a great goal with Jadon Sancho.”
Ten Hag however feels that despite being in great form, Sancho has a lot to improve in the upcoming days. The Dutch tactician feels that Sanchio is well equipped with many skills and can improve to another level. “I’m really pleased (for Sancho). Another goal, he’s doing well, but I think there’s much more room for improvement for him, because he has so many skills.”
The match also saw their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first goal of the season. The Portuguese forward has waited for his chance under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag. But finally he netted the first goal of the season converting the penalty against Sheriff FC. There were plenty of rumours that suggested that Ronaldo wanted to leave Old Trafford in search of Champions League football.
Despite all the issues, Ten Hag shared that Ronaldo is totally committed to United’s plans this season. He feels that gradually Ronaldo will be starting more as he settles in his system. “He’s totally committed to this project, totally committed to this team, totally involved, he also has connections that are coming around him and he is constructing connections so I’m happy with that,” Ten Hag added.
The United manager also shared that Ronaldo missing the pre-season proved costly for him as he now needs to attain the right fitness to feature regularly in Ten Hag’s system. He feels that missing the pre-season has been a deciding factor of his lack of gametime. “We could expect this when you miss pre-season, he has to work really hard and invest to get the right fitness. He will score more goals. He’s really close, when he gets more fitness he will score more,” Ten Hag concluded.
