Ronaldo was reinstated to the starting lineup by manager Erik ten Hag after being benched for Saturday’s Premier League draw with Chelsea owing to his behavior in last week’s victory over Tottenham. After his initial effort had been saved, Ronaldo scored the third goal of the match from close range (81).
Before Marcus Rashford, a replacement, doubled the advantage with a forceful header from a Luke Shaw cross, Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot had headed United in front from a corner on the stroke of halftime (44) earlier (65).
United has qualified for the knockout stage as a consequence, but they must first win Group E in order to advance automatically to the round of 16.
Ten Hag’s team needs to win by at least two goals on November 3 in Spain to finish first and avoid a two-legged play-off match against a third-place Champions League team in February as a result of Real Sociedad’s 2-0 victory over Omonia Nicosia.
At Old Trafford, where Alejandro Garnacho made his full debut and really impressed, keeping the possibility of winning the group was the main concern. The 18-year-old produced a stepover and sprinted forward before seeing a cross to the veteran cut out, and Ronaldo clapped for him afterward as United took control early on.
The assault continued as the frontman blasted a header over and Bruno Fernandes bent wide from 20 yards. Ronaldo’s effort to meet the cushioned header of the substitute captain was then blocked by Maxym Koval.
Before the visitors threatened to score a shocking opening goal, Sheriff’s goalie saved long-range attempts from Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia.
Even if the game hadn’t happened, it would have been a significant milestone in Sheriff’s history and seemed to give United a boost. In the 44th minute, Dalot headed in Eriksen’s corner from the left side that had been delivered into the six-yard box. Ten Hag was able to alter his lineup twice during the break because to that goal.
Harry Maguire, who had not played for Manchester United since their trip to Moldova six weeks prior, took the place of Lisandro Martinez, while Marcus Rashford took the place of Antony. His unnecessary showboating ball spins during this game were the summer signing’s most talked-about contribution.