Erik ten Hag said Cristiano Ronaldo «needed a goal» after the Manchester United striker finally got his first of the season against Sheriff Tiraspol.
Ronaldo scored a penalty in the 2-0 win in Moldova as Ten Hag's side got their first points on the board in the Europa League. — Man United player ratings from win over Sheriff — Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.) It was the 37-year-old's first goal in eight appearances this season and the 699th of his club career. «Ronaldo needed that goal,» said Ten Hag. «Many times he came close [in the season so far], but he wanted that so much. »We are happy for him and the team wanted to bring him a goal.
You know that Cristiano will score a penalty." Jadon Sancho got United's first of the night just hours after learning he has not been picked in the latest England squad for games against Italy and Germany.
The Nations League fixtures are Gareth Southgate's last chance to watch his players in action before naming his squad for the World Cup and Sancho's omission will increase doubts about the 22-year-old's involvement in the tournament in Qatar. «I'm really pleased [for Jadon], another goal, and he scored already many goals in his pre-season, and I think he has three in the season,» said Ten Hag. «He's doing well.