Manchester United booked their place in the knockout stages of the Europa League on Thursday night by beating Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Goals either side of half-time from Diogo Dalot, Marcus Rashford and the returning Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a comfortable victory for Erik ten Hag's side. The win means that United are still in with a chance of winning Group E, but they will have to beat Real Sociedad by two clear goals in their final group game next week.
United, should they achieve that, will automatically qualify for the last-16. However, should they fail to do that, they will face a third-placed Champions League team in a two-legged play-off showdown in February, with the winner advancing to the last-16 of the competition.
But before United can begin to think about next Thursday's trip to Spain, they must prepare for Sunday's Premier League clash against West Ham United at Old Trafford. Last night's win over Sheriff means they are now seven games unbeaten, meaning confidence ought not to be in short supply throughout the squad.
On their win, manager Erik ten Hag said: "The performance was okay. A focused win and clean sheet. We can occupy the box better. We have to improve."
TODAY'S BIG TALKING POINT: Who impressed most against FC Sheriff? Have your say here.
Catch up with Friday's news and breaking stories with our dedicated updates below.
Key Events
Scroll below for transfer updates
That brings our daily United transfer blog to a conclusion.
Catch up with the latest news/rumours by scrolling below.
Things spotted during Carrington training
Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates have been on the training ground at Carrington.
It was all smiles from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner following his return to the starting XI.
But what else did we spot as preparations for the West Ham game continue?
Read things spotted in training here >>>
United target Alvarez signing - reports
Reports suggest United could swoop for yet another Ajax player in January.
Lisandro Martinez and Antony followed Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford this summer.
But could they be joined in the Premier League by Edson Alvarez?
Reports from Calciomercato are linking the Mexico international with United and De Telegraaf state Ajax could be willing to play ball over his would-be switch. Chelsea are also being linked with the central midfielder.
Next three Premier League fixtures
It's only a matter of weeks now until the World Cup gets underway.
Here are the three Premier League matches pencilled in before then.
Sunday, October 30 vs West Ham (H) at 4.30pm
Sunday, November 6 vs Aston Villa (A) at 2pm
Sunday, November 13 vs Fulham (A) at 4.30pm
European clubs tracking Van de Beek - reports
Reports from Spain are crediting Valencia with interest in Donny van de Beek.
United signed the Netherlands midfielder from Ajax two summers ago now.
However, he has still been unable to break into the starting team on a regular basis.
Valencia manager Gennaro Gattuso is claimed to want two signings in January to bolster his side for the run-in. Sports Mole highlights that interest and also suggest Inter Milan might throw their hat into the ring for his signature, too.
France boss sends Varane World Cup warning
France boss Didier Deschamps says he will not take Raphael Varane to the World Cup if is he still injured.
Moreover, he said players must prove their fitness before being granted a place on the plane to Qatar.
Varane isn't expected to play for United before the World Cup break.
Read what Deschamps said here >>>
Antony hits back at skill critics
Antony has taken to Instagram to hit back at those criticising his moment of flair in United's win over Sheriff last night.
He produced his trademark 'Anturny' swivel with the game goalless just before half-time before hitting the ball out of play.
A number of pundits slammed the winger for his theatrics and end product, prompting the player himself to hit back.
Find out what he said here >>>
Dalot breaks silence on contract situation
Diogo Dalot's United contract expires next summer, although it contains a 12-month extension clause.
The Reds are keen to trigger it before long with lingering interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Dalot - who has played every minute this season - has now commented on his future.
Erik ten Hag on Rashford-Ronaldo partnership
"I think that (Rashford up front)'s worked well but I think tonight with Cristiano and Marcus in the back worked well. I was happy with that.
"To develop the team takes time. You can't go from zero to 100. You have to construct it from the outside, you need development before you go to the top, to the roof."
Read what else Ten Hag said here >>>
Valencia 'interested' in Donny van de Beek
A report from TodoFicjahes says Valencia are interested in Donny van de Beek with manager Gennaro Gattuso eager to sign a handful of players in January.
It claims the Spanish side could come in with a loan offer after the World Cup. Van de Beek has played just 31 minutes of football this season due to his long-term injury.
Erik ten Hag's message to Van de Beek
Donny van de Beek returned from a six-week setback to make his fourth appearance of the season against Sheriff last night.
The midfielder will not be travelling to Qatar next month after being left out of Louis van Gaal's provisional Netherlands World Cup squad.
United boss Erik ten Hag has given him words of encouragement after his comeback display on Thursday.
United give update on Martial injury
Erik ten Hag has laid out the timeframe in which he "hopes" Anthony Martial will back fit.
The striker - who is recovering from his third seperate injury this season - has returned to training, having missed 14 games in total so far.
Read what Ten Hag said here >>>
United 'have reserved' goalkeeper Diogo Costa
An article inside Portuguese newspaper Correio de Manha (via Sport Witness) claims United have asked Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa's agent, Jorge Mendes, to let them know if any bids come in for his client.
It claims the Reds have 'reserved' Costa as a target if they decide against extending David de Gea's stay, with the Spniard's contract expiring next summer.
The shot-stopper - who saved two penalties against Club Brugge in Wednesday's Champions League encounter - has a release clause of £52m and Porto are unlikely to accept less than that, the article states.
Ronaldo sends message to teammates after Sheriff win
Ronaldo took to Instagram to send a rallying message to his teammates after last night's 3-0 Europa League win over Sheriff.
The superstar - who scored United's third - was playing for the first time since being excluded from the squad for Saturday's draw with Chelsea following his early exit against Tottenham.
ICYMI: United player ratings vs FC Sheriff
David de Gea
Could have watched the game from the Stretford End, Sheriff were that harmless. Should have had the night off. 6
Diogo Dalot
Should have been more involved in the final third for 40 minutes and then headed in expertly to put United 1-0 up. Replaced on the hour. 7
Victor Lindelof
A stable and serene night ahead of a possible start against West Ham on Sunday. Forceful in the tackle a couple of times. 7
Read the full ratings here >>>
United 'turn away' Barcelona's interest for Dalot
United have told Barcelona that their interest in Diogo Dalot is futile and that the defender will not be leaving the club, according to reports.
Dalot have played every single minute for the Reds this season, and is considered a firm first-choice right-back ahead of Aaron Wan-Bisska.
His contract runs out in June but United hope to trigger his 12-month extension before long.
Sport says Barcelona - recently relegated to the Europa League - enquired about the Portugal international and were told that a January switch was absolutely not on the cards.
Exclusive: United stance on Garnacho future
Manchester United have revealed their future intentions for Alejandro Garnacho.
The teenager, who made his full debut last night, has more than two-and-a-half years left on his contract.
Ronaldo's reaction to Garnacho display vs FC Sheriff
Garnacho got a huge round of applause when he was subbed off after a scintillating full debut against FC Sheriff last night.
One of those to congratulate him after full-time was Ronaldo, Garnacho's idol.
Read Ronaldo's reaction to Garnacho's performance, and more missed moments, here >>>
Scholes labels summer signing Antony 'a clown' for theatrics vs Sheriff
Paul Scholes was not impressed by Antony's showboating in United's win over Sheirff last night.
With the first-half still goalless, the winger produced his trademark showpiece - which sees him drag the ball in a 360-degree circle in one motion - before hitting the ball out of play.
Scholes bearted the £85m man for his antics, saying he acted like "a clown".
Read what he had to say in full here >>>
United 'join Chelsea' in race for Ajax star
According to a report by Calciomercato, United have 'joined Chelsea' in the race to sign Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.
Alvarez, who is a Mexican international, was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge during the latter stages of the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old defensive-midfielder is reportedly attracting interest from a plethora of clubs and United are said to have joined the chase.
United's remaining fixtures before the World Cup
A quick glance at United's upcoming fixtures ahead of the World Cup pause:
- West Ham United (H) - Premier League - October 30
- Real Sociedad (A) - Europa League - November 3
- Aston Villa (A) - Premier League - November 6
- Aston Villa (H) - Carabao Cup - November 10
- Fulham (A) - Premier League - November 13
Why Garnacho had to be patient to await his full debut
United manager Erik ten Hag revealed last night that he was unhappy with Alejandro Garnacho at the start of this season.
He made the admission after handing the Argentine his first senior start for United against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League last night. He produced a smart performance on the left-flank and made sure that he left his calling card with his showing.
However, Ten Hag admitted that he was not impressed by the youngster at the start of the campaign, though he did not go into too many details as to why.
Click here to see what the Dutchman had to say.
United player ratings vs Sheriff as Garnacho impresses
After being handed a surprise start last night, youngster Alejandro Garnacho made a solid impression on his full United debut.
The 18-year-old, who started on the left-flank, showed plenty of promise, earning plenty of plaudits, both from the fans and manager Erik ten Hag.
Click here to see how our man, Samuel Luckhurst, rated his performance and the rest of his teammates.
Good morning!
Hello, and welcome along to today's United live blog.
Stay with us throughout the day for all of the very latest news, views and reaction to last night's 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol at Old Trafford.
