Europa League: Manchester United VS Sheriff Tiraspol, Cristiano Ronaldo scores the first goal in Europa League 

Ten Hag's side got their first points in the Europa League thanks to a penalty from Ronaldo, who has not started in the Premier League since United's 4-0 loss to Brentford on August 13.

Their Europa League campaign is back on track after a win at Sheriff Tiraspol, largely thanks to a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho's opener.

With United's third straight road win, the 37-year-old Ronaldo's low-key celebration fit nicely with the relaxed mood of the game.

When Ronaldo tried and failed to leave Old Trafford for a Champions League club in the summer, this was the kind of unglamorous fixture he seemed keen to escape.

Jadon Sancho scored a goal in the 17th minute to relieve early pressure from Sheriff. He combined nicely with Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen before driving low into the bottom corner.

Sancho scored his third season goal the same day that Gareth Southgate left him off England's final World Cup roster.

United's opening Group E match last Thursday was overshadowed by the death of Queen Elizabeth II, so Erik ten Hag's team desperately needed this victory.

United is currently in second place in Group E, behind the LaLiga club, before playing a pair of games against Omonia Nicosia of Cyprus.

However, Sheriff defender Stjepan Radeljic made a brilliant sliding clearing off the goal line to prevent Sancho from scoring again before Ronaldo increased the lead.

However, United will enter the international break riding high after winning four of their past five games across all competitions, with no domestic games to worry about this weekend.

Erik Ten Hag reacts to Manchester United's win and Cristiano Ronaldo's goal

After Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the season for Manchester United against Sheriff Tiraspol, Erik ten Hag commented on the striker's performance.

"Ronaldo needed that goal. Many times he came close, but he wanted that so much. We are happy for him, and the team tried to bring him a goal. You know that Cristiano will score a penalty.

United's first goal of the night was scored by Jadon Sancho, just hours after he found out he wasn't going to be playing for England against Italy and Germany.

"I'm really pleased (for Jadon Sancho). another goal and he scored already many goals in his pre-season, and I think he has three in the season… He's doing well, but I think there's much more room for improvement for him because he has so many skills."