Moldova's vineyards stocked the Kremlin’s wine cellar in the days of the Soviet Union and although this was not vintage Manchester United, normal service was resumed.
Erik ten Hag billed this game as must win following United’s shock home loss to Real Sociedad and his side duly delivered in Chisinău. They did so without needing to get out of second gear and their European campaign is up and running after the false start against Sociedad.
Ten Hag signalled his intent by making five changes to field his strongest-available side, which meant Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were benched on the day they were called up by Gareth Southgate. Southgate overlooked Jadon Sancho for his latest England squad and the winger responded by opening the scoring for United with his third goal of his fine season.
