Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the season; converting a first-half penalty to add to Jadon Sancho’s opener. United controlled the game to secure a much-needed victory following their controversial opening defeat to Real Sociedad.
Erik ten Hag was pleased with the clean sheet and the control of the game, after a shaky opening period.
“Difficult start…we lose too many balls at the start of the game. But you see we can play between the lines, we scored a great goal and from that moment on we totally dictated the game.
We defended very well with Rafa Varane as the leader, [the back four] fit well together.
Ronaldo needed that goal. We are happy for him and the team wanted to bring him a goal. I’m really pleased for [Jadon Sancho]. He’s doing well, but I think there’s much more room for improvement for him. Bring him on the pitch when he has that belief and he can improve even more.”
Ten Hag speaking after the game
This was a game United were expected to win comfortably, but against a team that upset Real Madrid less than a year ago in the Bernabeu, this match felt like it had the potential to be a classic ‘banana skin’.
The importance of a win here was underscored by Erik ten Hag’s team selection. With no Premier League fixture for two weeks there was no need to rest anybody. He named arguably his strongest available starting 11. This included Champions League winners Varane, Ronaldo as well as new signing Antony.
Unspectacular, but the right result
United started slowly, but grew into the game and were ahead after 17 minutes. An intricate passing move, which included Antony, McTominay, Eriksen and Sancho ended with Jadon dropping a shoulder to sell his defender short in the box; before finishing into the bottom corner.
Sheriff had their moments. With centre forward Atiemwen going close with a low 25-yard drive on 22 minutes, but United were dominating possession. Sancho almost doubled his tally with an effort that was cleared off the line on the 36th minute, and a minute later Diogo Dalot was fouled inside the 18-yard box.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to smash the ball down the middle, much to the delight of United’s excellent travelling fans.
The second half followed much the same pattern, with United dominating possession without creating too many chances; Bruno Fernandes going the closest with a low, first-time drive from a Dalot cross just after the half-time break.
Grealish over Sancho. Really??
Jadon Sancho took his goal very well tonight and his recent form has been promising. He gives the impression of a player that is starting to find his feet and show the potential to live up to his stellar reputation.
It begs the question – why has Gareth Southgate chosen Manchester City flop Jack Grealish ahead of him in his England squad? Time will tell who the World Cup spots will go to; but it feels like these are two players on opposite trajectories.
The same old suspects – Eriksen, Martinez and Varane excellent again
It’s still early, but Christian Eriksen is increasingly looking like one of United’s best free singings – and that list includes the likes of Laurent Blanc, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edison Cavani.
You almost can’t imagine the current United side without him. Tonight he set up the first goal with a clever reverse pass, but in general he oozed quality and was the instigator of most of United’s forward play, calmly dominating the centre of the park and always looking to play forward at tempo where possible. We can only hope he stays fit and healthy this season, because it’s clear that Manchester United are a much better team when he is in it.
Rafa Varane was replaced late on by Harry Maguire, but there is now a clear pecking order at the heart of United’s defence. Licha and Varane again looked calm, assured and in control, and United fans will be keeping everything crossed that Varane stays injury-free; which is something he has struggled with throughout his short United career.
Clash of the titans – CDM spot still up for grabs
An interesting battle is taking place at the heart of United’s midfield – Scott McTominay vs Casemiro – and unlikely as it may sound, it’s McTominay that is currently edging it.
He made way for the Brazilian at half-time, and whilst today wasn’t the toughest test for either, they both had good games. McTominay carried on his recent excellent run of form, and Casemiro looks to be slowly adjusting to the team and Ten Hag’s systems.
Speaking on MUTV, former United defender Wes Brown said;
“[Casemiro] looked a lot sharper when he came on today. He won the ball back well, tackled when needed and played the right pass. He’s just getting a feeling for the game and his team-mates.”
Wes Brown via MUTV
Manchester United with potentially two excellent CDMs to choose from this season – who’d have thought it??
Watch this space
United’s next game is a mouth-watering away clash at Manchester City, who certainly don’t look impregnable this season.
Unfortunately, it’s two and a half weeks away, so you’ll just have to find something else to do in the meantime. Apparently England are playing in the Nations League, or something. So – boxing, anyone? UFC? Umm…darts??