By George Ramsay, CNNUpdated 0948 GMT (1748 HKT) September 16, 2022 Ronaldo celebrates scoring from the penalty spot against Sheriff Tiraspol. (CNN)Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the season as Manchester United defeated Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 in the Europa League.
After Jadon Sancho's opener, Ronaldo doubled United's lead in Moldova from the penalty spot in the first half — the 699th goal of his club career.
It was an important victory for United following defeat in the Europa League against Real Sociedad last week, and it was a much-needed goal for Ronaldo, who has struggled to earn a place in the starting 11 under manager Erik ten Hag.
The 37-year-old was reported to have been looking for a move away from United over the summer, such was his desire to play in the Champions League, and was absent during preseason. «We could expect this when you miss preseason, so he has to work really hard and invest to get the right fitness.