Manchester United produced a professional performance to see off Sheriff Tiraspol with a 2-0 victory in Moldova.
This was an ideal way to bounce back from last week’s surprise loss to Real Sociedad, putting the team back on track to qualify from this Europa League group.
Jadon Sancho scored the opener before Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty to double the lead.
Arguably the most pleasing aspect of the victory was another clean sheet, the team’s third of the season, all away from home.
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Martinez and Varane praised
United’s first choice centre-back partnership was back at the heart of the defence, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane in the starting line-up.
The duo were in complete control, with Sheriff only managing two shots on target all game.
Their partnership was praised by former Red Devils defender David May, who spoke to MUTV after the final whistle.
May said: “The two centre-halves were outstanding. It was a real professional way of doing it. We didn’t give them anything. A real performance from a team on an upwards curve, brilliant.
“You’ve got two different players a Rolls Royce with Varane, who reads game really well, and Martinez is more of a rottweiler, they complement each other ever so well. It’s about building partnerships.”
The emerging partnership between the Frenchman and the Argentine has left club captain Harry Maguire as a distant third choice.
Varane and Martinez deserve all the praise they get, United look so much better when they are together, with the team’s defence looking mean and tough to beat once again.
They should start United’s first game after the international break, providing both of them return fully fit.
Varane suffered injuries twice on duty with France last season, and this is a fate Manchester United fans will be desperate that he avoids this year.
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