Sancho sends World Cup message! Man Utd winners, losers and ratings as forward stars against Sheriff

Jadon Sancho:

On the day when his World Cup hopes took a major blow, Sancho delivered the perfect response.

He is still to fully show his ability in a Manchester United shirt - but there have been flashes of his brilliance in the opening weeks of the season, as well as an increased potency under Ten Hag.

His goal showcased his impeccable close control and deadly finishing qualities.

Taking the ball on the edge of the area from Christian Eriksen, he quickly shifted it onto his left foot before picking his spot.

Manchester United need to see more of that - and so does Southgate if Sancho is to force his way back into the England manager's plans for Qatar.

These are early days under Ten Hag - and the winger still goes missing over periods - but it's now three goals for him this season and he is establishing himself as one of Manchester United's key forces.

Christian Eriksen:

The Dane just looks better and better with each passing game. He is the player Manchester United have been crying out for - probably ever since Paul Scholes retired.

Eriksen is the one who controls the tempo and is the most likely to cut open the opposition.

That's precisely what he did when suddenly speeding up the play and feeding Sancho in the build-up to the opener.

His dead ball delivery is also adding a new dimension to Manchester United's play.

Once he fully strikes up an understanding with Casemiro, it could completely transform the look of Ten Hag's midfield.

Cristiano Ronaldo:

He's had to wait for it - and when it came, it was from the penalty spot. But Ronaldo is finally off the mark for the season.

If he is unhappy with his lot after failing to secure a move in the summer, he is doing his best to get over the disappointment.

The effort is there and the smiles are back as well.

That's 699 club goals and counting. After opening his account, he will hope it's the turning point for his campaign.

Casemiro:

Left out of the starting XI again after being handed his full debut against Real Sociedad last week.

The Brazilian was signed to be the anchor of Manchester United's midfield - but he is having to wait to get his chance to establish himself.

Might have expected to start against Sheriff and build up a relationship with his new team-mates - but it was Scott McTominay who got the nod ahead of him.

Put himself about after coming on, which was evident of his determination to make an impression.

Marcus Rashford:

Another one not included in the England squad - but Rashford had the excuse of being injured.

Even still, he will appreciate the potential cost of this lay off after rediscovering his scoring touch in recent weeks.

There will be precious little time to convince Southgate he should be on the plane to Qatar - so he will have to hope he is back on the pitch soon.

Antony:

Manchester United fans were hoping for regular fireworks after his sensational debut against Arsenal - but the Brazilian has failed to replicate that stunning start in two further outings.

Ten Hag is clearly giving him every chance to fit into his system - only taking him off at the very end.

No shortage of effort - but Manchester United need more impact from him.

David De Gea (6/10):

Rarely tested - but when he was, he was up to the task.

Diogo Dalot (7/10):

Typically aggressive burst into the box saw him win the penalty for United's second.

Raphael Varane (6/10):

Took the opportunity to step up in a game when United totally dominated the ball.

Lisandro Martinez (7/10):

Threw himself into every challenge, as we've come to expect. In complete control.

Tyrell Malacia (7/10):

Alert defensively and constantly looking force Sheriff into retreat by playing high up the pitch.

Scott McTominay (6/10):

In the starting line-up on merit at the moment. Did little wrong before being substituted at half-time.

Christian Eriksen (8/10):

Incisive ball cut open Sheriff in the build-up to Sancho's opener. Dangerous delivery from set pieces might have led to more goals.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

His clever ball to Dalot led to the penalty for Manchester United's second - and he was unselfish enough to leave the spot kick for Ronaldo, who needed the goal.

Antony (5/10):

Another quiet game from him after failing to spark against Sociedad last time out.

Cristiano Ronaldo (6/10):

At last off the mark for the season. He won't care that it came from the spot.

Jadon Sancho (7/10):

Brilliantly-taken goal was the perfect response to being snubbed by Southgate. Also a sweet moment when during his celebration he flashed a shin guard to the crowd that had been gifted to him by a young fan.

Casemiro (6/10):

In the thick of it from the moment he came on - throwing himself into challenges and offering himself up as an outlet for the defenders.

Luke Shaw (6/10):

Looked like he had a point to prove and put in an energetic cameo.

Anthony Elanga (4/10):

Made little impact.

Alejandro Garnacho (N/A):

Only introduced for the final five minutes.

Harry Maguire (N/A):

Only introduced for the final five minutes.

Erik ten Hag (7/10):

Back to winning ways after defeat to Sociedad. Ten Hag picked close to what might be considered his strongest XI, but opted leave out Casemiro.

In a game Manchester United were always expected to win, there were signs of their development in the manner in which they broke down a Sheriff team with limited ambition.