Manchester United picked up their first win in the Europa League group stage on Thursday as they comfortably defeated Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0.
United fell to defeat in their opening Group E match to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford last week but responded well in Moldova. Jadon Sancho got the opener after finishing off a lovely team move with a feint and fine finish into the bottom corner. Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed his first goal of the season from the penalty spot to end the contest before the break.
Erik ten Hag's side remained in third gear for a non-event of a second half in which they calmly saw out the match to get the three points. Here are four things you may have missed.
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Ten Hag's training mandate continues
Ten Hag has been tasking some of his players to work on getting better with their weaker foot in training over the past week and that continued in the warm-up for the match.
Centre-back duo Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez were given a drill by coach Eric Ramsay in which they had to pass the ball forwards on their unfavoured side. That meant Varane using his left and Martinez his right. It's an area that the manager has identified for improvement and can only benefit United.
Big local support - especially for Ronaldo
Though they were the 'home' side, Sheriff were actually playing the game over a 90-minute drive away from their home city of Tiraspol. That's because the city is in the unrecognised breakaway state of Transnistria on the Ukrainian border and the game was moved due to security concerns.
It was instead played at the Zimbru Stadium, in the Moldovan capital of Chisinau, home of the country's biggest club before Sheriff's rise to prominence, FC Zimbru Chisinau. Sheriff aren't that popular in those parts so there was actually a big and loud local support for United. The locals gave the team a warm welcome at their hotel and the ground, cheered when they entered the pitch and celebrated when they scored. Ronaldo was particularly popular and plenty of 'siu' chants could be heard as well.
Sancho dedicates goal
Sancho grabbed the opener with a fine goal and he then celebrated by reaching into his sock, pulling out one of his shin pads and pointing towards it. The winger was gifted the personalised pads by a young fan and Sancho didn't only wear them during the game but made sure to thank the supporter by dedicating the goal to him. Lovely touch.
Malacia versatility
Ten Hag didn't get the right-back he wanted in the transfer window but Tyrell Malacia showed he can be a useful back-up option if needed. In the second half, Luke Shaw returned from injury off the bench to replace Diogo Dalot but it was the Dutchman who swapped sides to play on the right flank.
Malacia looked comfortable in the unnatural position and gives the manager a good alternative there if Dalot is ever unavailable.
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