After weeks of dizziness between Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese finally regained his manager’s confidence on Thursday. Ronaldo was one of the eleven regular players when they won the Europa League game (3-0) against FC Sheriff.

And that’s while the star wasn’t even on the top scorers list in last weekend’s Premier League clash with Chelsea for disciplinary reasons.

At Old Trafford, the “Mancunians” had few problems with the team from Tiraspol, Diogo Dalot scored a header from Christian Eriksen shortly before half-time (1-0).

Double pirouette Antony

Marcus Rashford, who came on for Antony, also scored in the second act (2-0). The Brazilian prevailed in the first half with a double pirouette, but stayed despite – or because of? – his (meaningless) halftime artwork in the back of the dressing room.

“I don’t have a problem with something like that as long as it works,” Ten Hag said afterwards about Antony’s action. “If it’s a trick for a trick, I’ll correct it.”

Nine minutes before the end, Ronaldo signed to make it 3-0. The Portuguese shook off his frustration with this goal after having ruled out a goal for offside in the 61st minute.

With the victory over the Moldovan opponents, Manchester United is sure of the winter in the Europa League. The English also saw Donny van de Beek return to the pitch after nearly two months out through injury.