Jadon Sancho is becoming a true Manchester United player on and off the pitch

A die-hard in the away end sent a picture of fans perched in trees overlooking the Stadionul Zimbru. Such was the enthusiasm for Manchester United from the Chisinau locals the 600 away-dayers skipped a rendition of "You've only come to see United".

In a country they might never have imagined visiting, they were merry and audible. United have strung three away wins together for the first time since December 2020 when they were locked out of Goodison Park, St Mary's and the London Stadium in lockdown.

Sheriff claimed the scalp of Real Madrid in the Bernabeu last season but that squad has been gutted and bar a rasper that David de Gea anxiously watched bounce past his post never looked capable of recording another upset.

Also read: United player ratings vs Sheriff

In this peculiar period of two European games in 28 days, United have regained some momentum after the passive performance against Real Sociedad. Erik ten Hag had the luxury of giving Scott McTominay, Diogo Dalot and Cristiano Ronaldo breathers, individuals maintained their fine form on a serene evening.

There are umpteen incentives for United to challenge for the Europa League in a season that could still be Europe or bust, such is the competitive domestic landscape. Finishing first in Group E would bypass a round-of-32 double-header with a team relegated from the Champions League.

The dry and cramped pitch looked as brutal as some of the Moldovan architecture. From the television images, it could have been mistaken for Loftus Road and United required a period of adjustment against their committed opponents.

That is a rite of passage for western European teams who travel east and Lisandro Martinez's perceptive pass for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 15th minute was as