Cristiano Ronaldo scored to help Manchester United produce one of the most comprehensive football results of the midweek action in the Europa League. 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 actions in last week’s victory over Tottenham. Ronaldo scored the third goal of the match from close range after his original effort had been saved (81). On the stroke of halftime (44) Ronaldo’s Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot headed United ahead from a corner, and then replacement Marcus Rashford doubled the advantage with a forceful header from a Luke Shaw cross (65).
At Old Trafford, where Alejandro Garnacho made his complete debut and left to a standing ovation, maintaining optimism of winning the group was the main objective. The 18-year-old produced a stepover, sprinted forward, and earned cheers from Ronaldo before seeing a cross to the veteran blocked. United was in control from the start. As the assault continued, the frontman blasted a header over and Bruno Fernandes twisted wide from 20 yards. Maxym Koval then blocked Ronaldo’s attempt to meet the cushioned header of the substitute captain.
Before Ronaldo scored the much-anticipated goal in the 81st minute, Donny van de Beek made a rare appearance. He blasted in the loose ball to score his first Old Trafford goal since May and the 701st of his club career after being initially denied by Koval when he was found by a Fernandes cross. Further opportunities for United were created, but no goals were scored as time expired on a resounding victory. The win extended United’s winning streak to seven games across all competitions and sets up a crucial matchup in Spain on Thursday when Ten Hag’s team will try to unseat Real Sociedad as Group E leaders.
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