Ranking Manchester United's 5 best players against Sheriff Tiraspol UEFA Europa League 2022-23 Comment Share Sheriff Tiraspol v Manchester United: Group E - UEFA Europa League Eager to recover from last week’s defeat, Manchester United traveled to Moldova for their UEFA Europa League clash matchday two clash with Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday night (September 15). The Red Devils fell to a 1-0 home defeat against Real Sociedad in their tournament opener (September 8), making it crucial for them to return to winning ways on Thursday. Fortunately for the 20-time English champions, there was no upset on the cards in Moldova, with the visitors comfortably securing a 2-0 victory against Sheriff. Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net to ensure a straightforward win for Erik ten Hag’s side. The home side looked livelier between the two teams in the opening minutes, but United enjoyed more possession, thus controlling the tempo. United’s patient build-up play paid dividends in the 17th minute when Christian Eriksen found Sancho in space on the edge of the box. The former Borussia Dortmund winger put his foot through the ball and comfortably beat Sheriff keeper Maksym Kobal to give United the lead. Diogo Dalot@DalotDiogoImportant reaction after last week’s result @ManUtd322111582Important reaction after last week’s result @ManUtd https://t.co/3yZQ2AkXm6 Six minutes later, Sheriff threatened the Manchester United defense, with Cedric Badolo going for goal from a long way out. His effort was decent but drifted just wide of De Gea’s goal. In the 33rd minute, Antony and Ronaldo combined, with the former playing the Portuguese through with a lobbed pass over the top of Sheriff’s defense. Center-back Stjepan Radeljic read the situation well and came in with a sliding tackle. Under pressure, the Manchester United no. 7 smashed the ball over Sheriff’s goal. Five minutes later, Patrick Kpozo brought down Diogo Dalot inside his box, and the referee unhesitantly pointed to the spot. Ronaldo took the resulting penalty and rippled the netting, registering his first goal of the 2022-23 campaign. Manchester United continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession in the second half but failed to create too many chances. Except for Bruno Fernandes’ 48th-minute effort, which he directed straight at Koval, there was not much to excite the visiting fans. The hosts also lacked the zeal to make something happen in the second half and seemingly accepted their fate towards the end of the game. Here are five United stars who shone in their 2-0 routine win over Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday:

#5 Antony

Sheriff Tiraspol v Manchester United: Group E - UEFA Europa League United’s marquee signing did not score or assist against Sheriff, but his overall performance was satisfactory. He created a few openings, used his dazzling feet to beat defenders, and held his ground admirably in duels. Antony’s lobbed pass to Ronaldo in the 33rd minute showcased his ability to create something out of nothing. UtdFaithfuls@UtdFaithfulsNot an eye-catching performance, but Antony low-key had a good game, even though he would've loved a goal contribution.

Kept it simple, got the job done, and settling in well. Soon, he will light it up! #mufc9067550Not an eye-catching performance, but Antony low-key had a good game, even though he would've loved a goal contribution.Kept it simple, got the job done, and settling in well. Soon, he will light it up! #mufc https://t.co/cxb2jUZn5m Against Sheriff, Antony made two key passes, completed two dribbles (4 attempts), won six of 10 ground duels, and drew two fouls. He also completed 29 passes (82.9% passing accuracy) and attempted a tackle.

#4 Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United v Real Sociedad: Group E - UEFA Europa League Ten Hag deployed Bruno Fernandes in a number 10 role behind Ronaldo on Thursday. The Portuguese midfielder demonstrated admirable link-up play, carried the ball well, and was cool under pressure. He should have done better with his effort in the 48th minute, but overall, it was a good game from the Portugal international. Bruno Fernandes@B_Fernandes8Amazing thank you for the @ManUtd fans in Moldova. Pleased we deliver the result for you. 409632237Amazing thank you for the @ManUtd fans in Moldova. Pleased we deliver the result for you. https://t.co/lJkTfc6R8h Fernandes completed both his attempted dribbles, won four of five ground duels, cleared the ball once, and attempted a tackle. He also delivered an accurate long ball (2 attempts) against the Moldovan outfit.

#3 Cristiano Ronaldo

Sheriff Tiraspol v Manchester United: Group E - UEFA Europa League Cristiano Ronaldo was handed his third starting XI appearance by Ten Hag on Thursday. After tasting defeats on two previous occasions (1-0 against Sociedad, 4-0 against Brentford), Ronaldo not only enjoyed a comfortable victory but also scored his first goal of the season. In the 39th minute, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner stepped up to take the penalty that his compatriot Dalot had won. He dispatched it right down the middle, beating Koval who dived to his right. Cristiano Ronaldo@CristianoHappy to score and help the team win! 3 important points!
Well done lads 21612914572Happy to score and help the team win! 3 important points! Well done lads https://t.co/Gb7mTJcqqd In addition to scoring the penalty, which marked the 699th goal of his club career, Ronaldo completed 34 passes (82.9% accuracy), won a duel, and made a clearance.

#2 Jadon Sancho

Leicester City v Manchester United - Premier League Jadon Sancho was arguably Manchester United’s standout attacking player on the night. He carried the ball well, troubled Sheriff defenders with his pace, and scored a great goal to open the scoring for United in the 17th minute. Latching on to Eriksen’s pass, Sancho drifted into the box and cleverly shifted to his left foot before having a go at goal. His sweetly-struck shot nestled into the bottom-right corner, comfortably beating Koval. Jadon Sancho@Sanchooo10Important win away from home, we’ll done boys!
Thanks to the 600 away fans that flew from Manchester, we as a team appreciate the support, have a nice weekend Reds! @ManUtd370242681Important win away from home, we’ll done boys! Thanks to the 600 away fans that flew from Manchester, we as a team appreciate the support, have a nice weekend Reds! @ManUtd https://t.co/IZuTy82nds Against Sheriff, Sancho completed both of his attempted dribbles, won all four of his ground duels, and attempted a tackle.

#1 Christian Eriksen

Manchester United v Arsenal FC - Premier League Arguably Manchester United’s signing of the summer, Christian Eriksen was once again at the heart of almost every positive passage of play in Moldova on Thursday. He was comfortable in possession, stretched the defense with his passes, and played a superb through ball into Sancho’s path to help him open the scoring. UtdFaithfuls@UtdFaithfulsChristian Eriksen is the heart of Manchester United’s midfield, and his ability to whip in devilish crosses with his (weaker) left foot is just insane.

THE DIFFERENCE 11857851Christian Eriksen is the heart of Manchester United’s midfield, and his ability to whip in devilish crosses with his (weaker) left foot is just insane.THE DIFFERENCE https://t.co/JA6w5qR66C On Thursday night, Eriksen made two key passes, delivered five accurate long balls, won his only ground duel, made a clearance, and attempted a tackle. The Dane could not have had a more sure-footed display against the Moldovan champions. Poll : 0 votes Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Sushan Chakraborty × Feedback Thank You! Be the first one to comment Follow Us Share Show More Comments GIF Comment in moderation 0 0 Reply x Edit Delete Delete the comment? No thanks Delete GIF Cancel Update GIF Cancel Reply ❮ ❯ GIF Comment in moderation 0 0 Reply x Edit Delete Delete the comment? No thanks Delete GIF Cancel Update GIF Cancel Reply ❮ ❯ Be the first one to comment on this story More from Sportskeeda Fetching more content... 1 Manage your profile Editing Story Queue Video Queue Editing Stats Writer Home SEO Redirection Admin Wiki Edits Taxonomy Home Edit Site Menu Mapping Dashboard Tag Pages Community Social Feed Queue Feed Center Notification Center Affiliate Home Manage Pages Bottom Tagline Dash Timeless Stories Logout No Results Found Get the free App now Manage notifications Popular ‍ Sports (30+) CricketCricket HomeScheduleT20 World CupT20 warm upIND vs SAENG vs PAKAUS vs ENGLegends LeagueECS T10 CroatiaWBBL 2022ECC T10SMAT 2022Bukhatir LeagueNZ T20 Tri-SeriesWomen's Asia Cup 2022ECT10 FootballFootball HomeNewslettersSK Experts ScheduleEPLNations LeagueLa LigaLigue 1Champions LeagueFIFA WCMLS Bundesliga Serie A WWEWWE HomeNewslettersRumor RoundupRAWSmackDownResultsRosterChampionsWWE Crown Jewel 2022PPV ScheduleAEW EsportsEsports HomeMinecraftOverwatch 2RobloxGenshin ImpactFortniteGTAStreamersFree FirePUBGValorantBGMIPop CultureAnimeGaming TechWiki Guides TennisTennis HomeTennis calendarTennis Results TodayATP RankingsWTA RankingsRoger FedererRafael NadalNovak DjokovicSerena Williams MMAMMA HomeUFC NewsONE ChampionshipUFC Fight NightScheduleRankingsResultsUFC Fights TonightONE Championship ResultsONE Championship ScheduleONE Championship Rankings KabaddiKabaddi HomePKL 2022PKL SchedulePKL Points TableKabaddi Rules WikiWiki HomeMinecraft WikiNaruto WikiTikTok WikiYoutube WikiGTA WikiTerraria WikiOne Piece Wiki MoreSportsBasketballIndian FootballNFLMinecraftFormula 1NascarPop CultureCollege FootballHockeyGolfAthleticsBadmintonGymnasticsWrestlingSwimmingTennisShootingBoxingArcheryWinter SportsRobloxFree PicksSkateboardingKho KhoLifestyle LINKS About Us Write For Us Policies Editorial Standards Journalism Awards Fact Check Affiliate Program Careers CSR Privacy Policy Contact Us Edition: English हिन्दी