For Erik ten Hag’s side to reach the last 16 directly they need to beat Real Sociedad in their final group game with two clean sheets. If that’s more than a possibility, what’s more certain is how the timeless Ronaldo, still believing after a string of missed chances, rushed home after Maksym Koval’s header was saved. The finish was a sweet reaction to his suspension for the Chelsea tie after he refused to come off the bench against Tottenham and left before the end. Ten Haag said: “He kept going – he didn’t give up – that’s why he’s so good. Watching Ronaldo score his goal was great. He created, the team created for him and we know he has the ability to finish. He needed a goal and now I’m sure there will be more.” After Ronaldo’s name was announced to loud cheers, he hoped to resume what he loves to do: score goals. In this effort he had on his left the debutant Alejandro Garnacho, who according to Ten Hag has the “x factor”. That quality would be needed to break down Sheriff, who was content to sit deep, and Garnazzo offered a flash of quality when a run found Ronaldo. He was feeding Antony, whose snapshot was collected by Koval. That was followed by a Christian Eriksen chip for Tyrell Malacia who came close to playing at left-back and preceded a corner from the Dane that Casemiro headed past Stjepan Radeljic, the visitors’ captain. Quick guide
Europa Conference League: West Ham stay perfect with win over Silkeborg
projection David Moyes looked back on a job well done after West Ham progressed to the last 16 of the Europa Conference League with a 1-0 win over Silkeborg. Already guaranteed a place in the knockouts, the Hammers needed just one point to be sure of going top of Group B and avoiding a two-legged play-off in February. A first-half penalty from Manuel Lanzini (pictured) ensured they maintained their perfect record in Europe this season with a seventh win from seven games overall. “I thought we had a lot of the ball and controlled the game for long periods,” Moyes said. “The biggest thing tonight was that we didn’t score many goals. We mourned it, not clinically, but mostly we deserved the win. “To get through already is very important for the course of the season. It’s a lot of credit to the players over the last two years, who won the group last year and this year.” Moyes was finally able to give his debut to Nayef Agerd, the £30m summer signing of the Moroccan defender, who picked up an ankle injury in pre-season. “I didn’t tell him it was starting until today,” Moyes added. “But he’s a good athlete and he’s in good shape. He doesn’t have enough match practice but his game has worked well. He’s had a good time, got into some matches, made some challenges. It was a really good opening game for him.” The only concern was the absence of England World Cup hopeful Jarrod Bowen, with Moyes revealing the striker has an ankle injury which he hopes is not too serious. PA Medium Photo: Jacques Feeney/Offside Thanks for your response. The flurry of chances continued when Garnazzo cut in from the left and slotted past Ronaldo for another corner. The delivery was driven into the roof of the net by the Portuguese, but United had their opponents exactly where they wanted them: under siege. Two goals in 12 appearances in this game was a sub-par performance for Ronaldo. The way he strode forward and pulled a leg back to fly only for Moussa Kyabou to smother him hinted at why: a critical slowdown in the 37-year-old’s synapses that has dulled his edge. However, there was nothing sloppy on the scoreboard as Ronaldo headed in a Bruno Fernandes cross but, from close range, missed the chance. Diogo Dalot comes on to break Manchester United’s deadlock against Sheriff. Photo: Nigel French/PA The Moldovan side, managed by Viktor Mihailov following the resignation of Stepan Tomas earlier this week, were hanging on. Koval dived to his right to save Eriksen’s shot, then Bruno Fernandes hoped to turn the rebound towards Ronaldo but failed. The latter then dropped a shoulder and pulled the trigger from distance, but Gabi Kiki blocked his attempt. United’s 77.2% half-time possession told the story of the first 45 minutes, although there was a warning when Sheriff broke and Patrick Kpozo turned over a ball that Rashid Akanbi should have headed home. At last, though, Ten Haag’s men had their reward: Eriksen’s corner from the left was met by Diogo Dalot, who rose to beat Koval. For the second half, Marcus Rashford replaced Anthony, who may not have impressed Ten Haag with an impressive 720-degree spin before the break, while Lisandro Martinez made way for Harry Maguire. Of Antony’s trick, Ten Hag said, “I have no problem with it as long as it’s functional.” Start your evenings with the Guardian’s view of the world of football Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Rashford took over in Fernandes’ usual 10 position, the Portuguese moving right to fill in for the departing Anthony – a move by Ten Haag designed to take advantage of Rashford’s pace just behind Ronaldo. It took patience and poise to double the lead. Garnacho was seriously denied the second quality when he hit a set-piece cross to the right. Much better was the dart run and the ball moments later dropped into the danger area. The sheriff swept it clear, but only to see those in red continue to have possession. Ronaldo’s next contribution was to collect an Eriksen flick, flicked to the right and, with Koval’s goal begging, somehow flared. His reaction – a deep disappointment – was understandable. When he volleyed in only to see the flag raised, frustration had Ronaldo smashing the ball away at the Stretford End, yet this showed an ever-increasing sharpness. United’s second strike was a simple affair. Luke Shaw, another substitute, set up Rashford, who slotted in convincingly for his sixth goal of the season. Garnacho deserved a standing ovation when he took off, although Ten Hag revealed his earlier concern. “I wasn’t happy with him – his attitude, the young guys have to grow up and know what the rules are in top football,” he said. Again, though, Ronaldo grabbed the narrative.
