Sancho, Ronaldo Show Class Against FC Sheriff To Bounce Back To Winning Form In The Europa League.

 After being left out of the England team, Jadon Sancho nevertheless provided the ideal comeback by scoring in Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova to help launch their Europa League campaign.

Sancho (17) and Cristiano Ronaldo (39) scored goals in the first half to help United bounce back in Moldova after losing their opening Group E game to Real Sociedad 1-0 last Thursday at Old Trafford.

After Christian Eriksen's reverse ball, Sancho completed a good move with a scuffed shot on his left, and Erik ten Hag's team went on to win comfortably as Ronaldo converted the ensuing penalty kick for his 699th club goals and his first in eight appearance of the new season.

United goes up to second place in the group behind Sociedad with their third straight victory on the road, while Sheriff drop to third but are tied with United on three points.

After a poor challenge by Sheriff defender Patrick Kpozo on Diogo Dalot, Ronaldo increased United's lead from the penalty spot just two minutes later, sending Koval the wrong way as he ran straight down the middle.

Ronaldo believed Eriksen had set him up for goal no. 700 of his club career, but Radeljic made a crucial touch to steal the ball away from the 37-year-old Portuguese star, leaving him with nothing to do but stare up at the sky in shock.

Sheriff displayed some quality in their build-up play, but they were unable to create any clear-cut chances or challenge David de Gea.

Erik ten Hag speaking on Ronaldo's goal said: “Ronaldo needed that goal. Many times he came close, but he wanted that so much. We are happy for him and the team wanted to bring him a goal. You know that Cristiano will score a penalty.

“He's really close, when he gets more fitness he will score more. He's totally committed to this project, totally involved. He also has connections that are coming around him and he is constructing connections so I'm happy with that.”

After two games, it appears clear that Sociedad and United will be battling for first place, with the group's final game in Spain expected to be pivotal. 

On October 2, Erik ten Hag's team will play a home match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Four days later, United will play Omonia of Cyprus, which is coached by Neil Lennon, in their next Europa League match.