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Ronaldo helps Man Utd advance to UEL knockout stages

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to action with a goal as Manchester United defeated Sheriff 3-0 in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening.

Ronaldo was restored by United after he wasn't included in the clash against Chelsea and there was a full debut for Alejandro Garnacho, with Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia also recalled in defence.

A flowing start from the host almost resulted in the opener as a loose pass from a trip on the edge of the area by Ronaldo allowed Antony to grab hold and fired in the first shot in anger. 

Sheriff refused to crack after the opening quarter before a flying shot on the edge of the six-yard area by Bruno Fernandes shaved the near post and left the Moldovan off the hooks again.

Erik Ten Hag's men pushed relentlessly ahead of the half-hour mark where the intensity up top from Ronaldo, Antony, Fernandes and the young Garnacho troubled the travelling team.

The Red Devils eventually hit the front in the last minute of the half after Diogo Dalot got on the end of Christian Eriksen's corner-kick and headed beyond the advancing Maksym Koval.

Manchester showed up for the second half with a double alteration in Marcus Rashford for Antony while defender Harry Maguire slotted in for Lisandro Martinez. 

Ten Hag's men maintained the lion share of momentum and could've gone two goals when Ronaldo went over the top from a clever attempt around the area.

United ultimately extended their tally midway through the second half as Rashford made full use of Luke Shaw's inch-perfect cross and planted a header beyond Koval.

As the minutes ticked away, United secured a third when Ronaldo needed two attempts to bury a cross from Fernandes after Koval had parried his initial attempt in the area. 

Koval was called to action again right at the death as he produced a strong palm to smother Scott McTominay's header, as the hosts ran out comfortable winners in the end. 

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