Europa League: Erik Ten Hag praises a returning Cristiano Ronaldo in Manchester United's 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol

The Red Devils needed to defeat Sheriff to maintain their chances of taking first place in the group, and goals from Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford, and Cristiano Ronaldo ensured the outcome in Ronaldo's first game back following his manager Erik ten Hag's suspension.

Sheriff had firm defensive resolve early on at Old Trafford, but Diogo Dalot's near-post header finally snapped the scoreless tie before halftime.

Marcus Rashford made it 2-0 for the Red Devils just after the hour mark. The England star headed in a superb cross from the left side by Luke Shaw.

Within two minutes of coming off the bench, Shaw provided an assist. In the 81st minute, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the third goal for United to seal the victory.

Ten Hag immediately reinserted Ronaldo into the lineup after benching him for the draw at Chelsea due to disciplinary issues.

Maksym Koval initially stopped Ronaldo's header from a Bruno Fernandes cross, but the Portuguese player was quick to the rebound and scored with his left foot.

Erik Ten Hag was all praise for Cristiano Ronaldo

It was Ronaldo's first goal in Europe this year from open play. After the game, Ten Hag commended Ronaldo's attitude, saying that he persevered and was rewarded for his efforts.

Speaking with Manchester United's official website, ten Hag said, "Yes. He kept going and the team kept going to put them in the right position. He kept going to get himself in the right positions. He didn't give up."

"I think that's what his whole career [has been about], that's why he is so good and, in the end, he got the reward for it. The pressure is always there. Ronaldo knows that and we have to deal with it. All Manchester United players know that."

"All top scorers need that, every time, the confirmation they can do it. Tonight, again, he got his confirmation and he will grow from it. He is hungry. He plays with desire and wants to score goals, as many as possible. He has to invest a lot and the team has to invest a lot to put him in the right positions."

Ronaldo responded favourably to Sheriff after serving a one-game penalty against Chelsea last weekend. Last night, the £18 million-rated star missed a couple of scoring opportunities but did not give up and scored a goal of his own.

It is uncertain whether the Portuguese will start Sunday's league match against West Ham United. Yesterday, Rashford came off the bench to play in a front two with Ronaldo, and Ten Hag may elect to do the same this weekend.

The final round of group games and the trip to Real Sociedad next week will significantly determine the.

Due to Spain's 2-0 victory over Omonia Nicosia, United will begin in San Sebastian in second place in Group E, three points back.

Win by at least two goals, and Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag's squad will top the group and advance through to the round of 16.

If they fall short, they will face a matchup in the round of 32 against a team relegated from the Champions League. That might be Barcelona, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, or Sevilla, given the current situation.