Manchester United midfield maestro Christian Eriksen put up a powerful display against Sheriff, that had commentators and fans alike purring over his intelligent stewardship of the centre of the pitch.
The Denmark International has been named the “Man of the Match” on Thursday following his impressive performance at the Europa League game on Thursday.
The Red Devils released past Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol 2-0 to kickstart their Europa League campaign.
After losing their Group E opener against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford exactly a week ago, United arrived at the Zimbru Stadium with a point to prove – and they made it with less than 20 minutes on the clock.
Although they did not dominate proceedings with the ball how they would have liked in the opening exchanges, they sprung a brilliant move to break the deadlock.
Christian Eriksen picked the ball up inside the Sheriff half, motored forward and played a delightful chipped pass into Sancho’s path, who took one touch to carry the ball into the penalty area, chopped inside and then buried a clinical finish into the bottom corner.
It marked his third goal of the season and it was an excellent one, such was the coolness of the manner he buried it in.
Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo both struck first-half goals in a comfortable victory away from home for Erik ten Hag’s men.
Christian Eriksen fed a lovely pass into Sancho in the 17th minute and the ex-Borussia Dortmund man fired a low strike into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead.
And Ronaldo doubled their advantage from the spot shortly before the break after Diogo Dalot was brought down in the box.
The win gives United their first win in the Europa League this season following the 1-0 defeat by Real Sociedad last week.
Fans have since taken to Twitter to react to Eriksen’s stellar performance.
A tweep, Aidan Walsh said, “I will never let anyone forget that we signed Christian Eriksen for £0. Best business of the summer.”
@utdfaithfuls: “Christian Eriksen is the heart of Manchester United’s midfield, and his ability to whip in devilish crosses with his (weaker) left foot is just insane.
THE DIFFERENCE 🇩🇰”
Connor Aspinall: “People are really starting to see what we have been lacking for so long. Somebody who can get on the ball in deeper areas and can move the ball at speed like we saw tonight and for Antony’s goal against Arsenal 🔥”
@Matchofthedave: “You can file Christian Eriksen alongside Robin van Persie in a folder.
📂 Players I knew were good but not quite this good until they joined United.
His technical abilities are completely effortless and he’s played another 90 minutes tonight. Pivotal to Erik ten Hag’s system.”
@UtdWesleyy: “Christian Eriksen is a wonderful footballer. I still can’t believe we paid £0 for this man. Unreal.”