Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first Europa League goal of his career as Manchester United claimed a 2-0 victory at Sheriff Tiraspol.

The Red Devils suffered defeat at Old Trafford in their Group E opener against Real Sociedad but responded by claiming all three points in Moldova.

United's first goal came from a sumptuous team move that culminated in a neat finish from Jadon Sancho from Christian Eriksen's reverse pass.

Sancho came close to a second but his low shot was cleared off the line by Sheriff captain Stjepan Radeljic.

Erik ten Hag's side eventually doubled their advantage before the break when Ronaldo converted from the penalty spot after Patrick Kpozo tripped Diogo Dalot in the box.

At the other end, Sheriff could not force David de Gea into any meaningful saves, allowing United to move to second in Group E.

Asked about the performance, ten Hag said: ''We got the job done, and we know it is always difficult to play here.

"We were really direct but I also feel like we controlled the game not from the first minute but after 10 minutes we found our foot in the game and managed to create some spaces.

"It was a great goal and I am really happy for Jadon [Sancho] and he finished off a really good goal, a team goal. But I also think it showed a really good team performance.''