Man Utd ease to win over Sheriff as Sancho responds to snub - 5 talking points

Manchester United picked up their first European win of the season on Thursday evening by defeating Sheriff Tiraspol 0-2 in Moldova.

Goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo helped Erik ten Hag's side on their way to a comfortable result. The win means United will head into the international break on a high note before taking on local rivals Manchester City in the Premier League at the Etihad on October 2.

United's next Europa League game is against Omonia Nicosia - arguably the weakest side in Group E - in Cyprus on October 6. Here are the main talking points on a pleasant evening for the Red Devils.

Ten Hag goes for it

A few weeks ago, Ten Hag was preparing for a busy September. United faced a daunting schedule, with six games in 19 days before the international break. Yet that changed when two Premier League fixtures were postponed following the Queen's passing.

As such, Ten Hag didn't need to rest players or rotate his squad against Sheriff. 10 of the 11 who started the 3-1 win against Arsenal earlier this month were deployed against the Moldovan outfit, with only Ronaldo coming in for the injured Marcus Rashford.

What did you make of Manchester United's performance on Thursday evening? Let us know in the comments below!

Ten Hag's decision to play what he believes is his strongest XI right now was an indication of just how much this game meant to United. After last week's 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, it was imperative that they didn't suffer another defeat to Sheriff.

Sancho reminds Southgate

United didn't enjoy a blistering start, yet they weren't punished by Sheriff and took the lead in the 17th minute thanks to a moment of real quality from Sancho.

The 22-year-old had a point to prove on Thursday evening after being omitted from Gareth Southgate's England squad for this month's Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany - the final internationals before the World Cup starts in Qatar in November.

Sancho's rejection was surprising following his good start to the season. The winger scored two goals in his first six Premier League games and looks set to repay some of the £73million United invested in him last summer after a difficult first season in England.

Knowing he's got just a dozen or so games to impress Southgate before his World Cup squad is finalised, Sancho scored a lovely goal. He controlled Christian Eriksen's pass with his right foot, shifted it on to his left and found the corner with an assured effort. Only time will tell if Sancho will play a part at this year's World Cup.

Ronaldo gets his goal

United controlled the game after Sancho's opener. They nearly doubled their lead in the 37th minute when goalkeeper Maksym Koval gave possession straight to Antony, who found Sancho in space. The Englishman's strike got the better of Koval, but he was denied thanks to a spectacular goal-line clearance from Stjepan Radeljic.

Yet United did make it 2-0 before half-time after Patrick Kpozo fouled Diogo Dalot in the box. Ronaldo stepped up and scored his first goal of the season, ending a run of seven barren games. He would've been relieved to break his duck before the international break.

There was no doubting Ronaldo was the star attraction in Chisinau, as cries of "siu" accompanied his trademark celebration. He may no longer be one of the world's best players, but the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will remain a superstar for the rest of his days.

What next for Maguire?

Once again, the partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez worked a treat for Ten Hag. United have now won five of their eight fixtures this season - and all of those wins were achieved with Varane and Martinez at the heart of their defence.

That's worrying news for club captain Harry Maguire, who was forced to sit on the bench against Sheriff. United have lost all three games he's started this season and it's starting to feel as if he won't play regularly ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.

Unlike Sancho, Maguire is part of Southgate's England squad for this month's internationals, but he must be worried about making the World Cup squad. Where does the defender's career go from here? A summer transfer could be on the horizon.

McTominay vs Casemiro

It was a game of two halves for United's midfield on Thursday evening, as Scott McTominay was replaced by Casemiro at the break. The latter was expected to play regularly following his move from Real Madrid in August but has struggled to displace McTominay.

The Scot's performances have improved since Casemiro's arrival, and he produced another solid display against Sheriff. Yet Casemiro also did well when he was introduced into the fold, putting in a couple of decent challenges to remind Ten Hag of his value.

It's clear Eriksen will be United's No.8 this season and Bruno Fernandes will be their No.10, but who will be Ten Hag's No.6? Right now, Ten Hag is enjoying a nice selection dilemma between McTominay and Casemiro. United will be hoping both players will continue to perform after the international break.

Read more

Top Man Utd stories

De Gea makes Europa League vow

Ten Hag apologises to fans over decision

Greenwood's inclusion in squad explained

Ten Hag axes Jones from squad