Man Utd secure last-16 spot with two late goals

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho sent Manchester United into the Champions League round of 16, after a 2-0 win over Villarreal at La Ceramica saw Michael Carrick make a winning start as caretaker manager on Tuesday night. 

Carrick made four changes from Saturday's 4-1 defeat at Watford, leaving Bruno Fernandes on the bench and bringing in Donny van de Beek. Although hard-working, United struggled to find any rhythm in the first-half and were largely on the back foot in the first half.

It was much the same story after the break, with Villarreal shading the exchanges - the hosts' Manu Trigueros denied by a tremendous David de Gea save.

Carrick sent on Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford on 66 minutes and that proved a pivotal moment, as the Mancunians started to grow into the game.

With the game seemingly destined for a draw, Fred caught Etienne Capoue in possession, putting Ronaldo in, and the Portuguese forward lifted the ball over goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli in the 78th minute to give United the lead and score his sixth goal in five Champions League games this season.

Jadon Sancho sealed the victory in the 90th minute after a well-worked counter-attack, the England international smashing home his first goal for the club.

With this result, Manchester United qualified for the knockout phases with a game to spare, while Villarreal will have to fight it out with Atalanta for the runners-up spot.

Manchester United seal place in last 16 👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/XEH1chvsAA

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 23, 2021