November 24, (THEWILL) – Manchester United advanced to the last 16 of the Champions League thanks to late goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, and Michael Carrick’s first game as caretaker manager concluded in a victory.
The first half, very much typified a match played between Spain’s 12th-best team and England’s eighth-best team as it was low on quality, big on anxiety and testy in many ways.
Neither team appeared to be in any danger of conceding, but Villarreal came closest to scoring, with David de Gea called into action to save from Moi Gomez and Manu Trigueros to keep his post safe.
There was not much difference in the displays after the break, with Villarreal still the better team, although only by a little margin.
Again, De Gea had to make another superb save from Trigeuros, but United improved tremendously when Carrick introduced Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, two of the best players of the Red Devils over the previous two seasons.
Fernandes first set up United’s finest chance but Geronimo Rulli saved well from Jadon Sancho. Then, Fred caught Etienne Capoue in possession on 78 minutes, allowing Ronaldo to forge ahead and score his sixth goal in five Champions League games this season.
With time running out, Sancho scored his first goal for the club to seal the victory. It was the perfect finish to a fantastic game for the youngster. He was United’s most dangerous attacker on the right flank, where he was bought to play, and scored a game-winning goal.
United now have no pressure going into their last group game against Young Boys, and they remain at the top of the standings. The next major game for them will be against Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
But for Unai Emery’s side, regardless of the outcome of the other match tonight, Villarreal’s final group game is now a must-win for them. At the weekend back in La Liga, they face Barcelona at home in the Estadio de la Ceramica.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
