With a 2-0 win over Villarreal in Spain, Manchester United have confirmed a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League. Michael Carrick’s first game in charge ended with two late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho to earn all three points.
Bruno Fernandes was dropped for Donny Van de Beek, and Jadon Sancho started for the team under the interim manager. After an initial spell of attacking, United had to deal with a very impressive attacking display from Unai Emery’s men.
Ronaldo scored in the 76th minute of the game, lobbing the ball over Villarreal keeper Geronimo Rulli. The Portuguese striker now has six goals in five games for United in the Champions League. Even though he might not be pressing as energetically at 36, he makes up for it with important goals in every game.
Jadon Sancho scored his first goal for Manchester United when he doubled the lead of the visitors later in the game.
But, the scoreline could have looked much different if David De Gea did not pull out a number of impressive saves to deny Manu Trigueros on two separate occasions and keep the clean sheet.
While the game was not perfect for Manchester United by any means, they earned all three points and a clean sheet, and that is all that matters. Villarreal’s qualification to the round of 16 depends on whether or not they will be able to defeat Atalanta in the final game of the group stage.
