The Red Devils faced Moldova’s top-flight side Serif in the Europa League on Thursday night. And they won 2-0 thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho and Ronaldo. Sancho put Manchester United ahead in the 17th minute with a left-footed shot into the far corner, which went over the bar. Later in the first half, Diogo Dalot won a penalty after tripping in the box. Ronaldo stepped up and beat the keeper to score his first goal of the season. It was also the Portuguese club’s 699th goal, although he was unable to reach his 700th as he took off in the 81st minute. Sheriff had no answer to United’s goals and it meant the Manchester side took their first three points of the Europa League group stage. This was necessary after losing to Real Sociedad in their UEL opener. During a post-match interview with MUTV, Ten Haag was asked about Sancho. He praised the Englishman for his start to the season and how he linked up with Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen against Sheriff. “Jadon has so much potential,” said Ten Haag (via Manchester Evening News ). “He’s had a good preparation, he’s on his way to getting really fit, he’s got to continue the process. “The second thing is that he scores a lot of goals in the pre-season, he continues at this moment in the season, he is more secure, we can play on him, that left side with Tyrell and Christian Eriksen, I was happy with that triangle. and how they moved together.”
Ten Hag reacts to Sancho’s snub in England
Ten Haag was then asked about Sancho being left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the upcoming England games. He replied: “It’s not up to me, it’s the England manager. I can’t be in his shoes, I don’t want to.” Of the wider team he added: “They are progressing, they are starting the season well, they will progress even further, I am convinced of that. They will go even further in the coming weeks and months.” Attention then turned to Ronaldo, whose future remains a hot topic. According to a recent report, Ten Hag’s January transfer budget will rise to over £100m if the striker leaves. However, Ten Haag has doubled down on the club’s steadfast stance. “He’s fully committed to this project, fully committed to this team, fully involved,” the coach said. “He’s also got connections coming around him and making connections, so I’m happy with that.”
The coach backs Ronaldo to improve
On Ronaldo’s slow start to the new campaign, Ten Haag continued: “We could expect that when you miss pre-season. He has to work very hard and invest to get the right physical condition. He will score more goals. He is very close, when he gets more fit he will score more.” Central defender Lisandro Martinez said: “We got the three points so it was very important for us. “We work really hard every day in training, so today Sancho scored a fantastic goal, but the way we played was fantastic. Sancho’s finish was great and at the end, we all celebrate. “We know how big Cristiano Ronaldo is. He is very important for us and that he scored tonight, for his confidence and for the team. “I’m really happy and a bit surprised about it [the love from fans]but at the same time I feel very proud. “Coming here to the best club in the world and people saying ‘Argentina, Argentina’, for me it’s amazing. I thank the fans for their support.” Meanwhile, Sancho has hit back after Southgate snubbed him for national team duty.
