Man United, Roma cruise in Europa League matchday two

Manchester United picked up its first win of the Europa League group stage on matchday two. The Red Devils beat FC Sheriff 2-0 in Moldova. First-half goals from Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo helped United collect all three points.

Manager Erik ten Hag fielded a very strong starting XI on the night. Ronaldo, Sancho, Antony, and Bruno Fernandes completed a potent front four for the Red Devils. Sancho, who was snubbed earlier today by England national team manager Gareth Southgate, opened United’s scoring in the 17th minute of the match. The winger displayed some nifty footwork to dance through the Sheriff defense and put his team ahead.

Defender Diogo Dalot was then brought down in the box about 20 minutes later. Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty and converted it to make it 2-0. The goal was the superstar’s first of the season, but 699th for club in his illustrious career.

Although United did win the match fairly comfortably, Sheriff mustered more total shots than the visitors.

Other results in Europa League matchday two

Lazio, however, was stunned 5-1 by Midtjylland in Denmark. Although the Danish club are currently struggling domestically, they put in a top performance against the White and Sky Blues. Midtjylland had five different scorers on the night. Despite the dominating display, Lazio managed 65% possession in the match. Midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scored his team’s only goal of the game.

Not to be outdone, Feyenoord put six past Austrian side Sturm Graz in the other game from group F. The Dutch club netted four times in the opening half, including a brace from Alireza Jahanbakhsh. Now, all four teams in the group are level on three points.

Roma also bounced back after a disappointing first round of the competition. The Serie A club hammered HJK 3-0. The visitors went down to 10 men after Miro Tenho was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity in the 15th minute of the match. Roma could not capitalize on the advantage until the second half.

Halftime substitute Paulo Dybala scored just two minutes after being introduced. Lorenzo Pellegrini doubled the host’s lead a few moments later. Summer signing Andrea Belotti put the finishing touches on the Finnish club. It was the Italian’s first goal for his new team.

PHOTO: IMAGO / News Images