Ronaldo scores as United advances to Europa League knockouts

Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his return to the beginning lineup as they sealed a spot within the Europa League knockout rounds with a 3-0 victory over Sheriff Tiraspol at Previous Trafford on Thursday.

Ronaldo, who was unnoticed of the squad for the weekend Premier League journey to Chelsea for disciplinary causes, scored United’s third aim after Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford had given the house facet a snug lead.

United are in second place in Group E with 12 factors from 5 matches forward of their go to to Actual Sociedad of their last pool recreation subsequent week, the place victory may see them prime the desk and ebook a spot straight into the final 16.

Erik ten Hag’s facet by no means seemed troubled towards Moldovan outfit Sheriff and might need been out of sight by halftime after creating quite a few probabilities however solely had Dalot’s header from a Christian Eriksen nook simply earlier than the break to point out for it.

Defender Harry Maguire got here on for the second half having missed the earlier eight video games with a hamstring damage as United doubled their lead when Rashford headed in Luke Shaw’s cross within the sixty fifth. Ronaldo netted a late third from shut vary.

The group winners qualify for the final 16 whereas the eight runners-up will compete in February’s playoffs the place they face the eight groups coming third of their Champions League teams.

Sociedad defeated Omonia 2-0 because of targets from Robert Navarro and Brais Mendez, whereas Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma saved their knockout spherical hopes alive with a 2-1 win at HJK Helsinki in Group C after striker Tammy Abraham scored their opener.

They’ve seven factors from 5 matches and lie in third place, needing to beat Ludogorets at house subsequent week to remain within the competitors.

PSV progress

Dutch facet PSV Eindhoven had earlier superior to the knockout stage following a 2-0 house win over Arsenal thaks to targets from Joey Veerman and Luuk De Jong.

The outcome ends Arsenal’s 100% begin to Group A, although they’d already sealed a spot within the prime two earlier than the loss.

Ferencvaros are into the final 16 as Group H winners after a 1-1 draw with AS Monaco, who should win their last fixture at house to Crimson Star Belgrade to ensure of second place.

Ferencvaros have certified for the post-Christmas phases of European competitors for the primary time since 1974-75.

Belgium’s Royale Union Saint-Gilloise had been topped Group D winners with a 2-0 victory at Malmo, whereas Bundesliga leaders Union Berlin beat visiting Portuguese facet Braga 1-0 to maneuver above their opponents into second place within the pool.

Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Pedro had been on course because the Italians got here from behind to beat Midtjylland 2-1, and had been joined on eight factors in Group F by Sturm Graz, who defeated Feyenoord 1-0 with a 93rd minute winner from Otar Kiteishvili.

Any of the 4 groups may nonetheless advance from that group.