Cristiano Ronaldo has been someone firmly in the headlines over the last week. And, after Erik ten Hag opted to reintroduce him to the starting side against FC Sheriff on Thursday night, Ronaldo's showing rather epitomised United's performance.
For both Ronaldo and United, it was frustrating at times. It was such resentment that was likely fuel for Ronaldo walking down the tunnel prematurely against Tottenham Hotspur, and a sequence of missed opportunities - including a free header and sitter of a chance in the first half - on his return against Sheriff further contributed to his exasperation.
Ten Hag showed that there are no grudges held by reinstating Ronaldo to his starting side in place of Marcus Rashford, and Ronaldo largely repaid the favour by getting himself into goal-scoring areas on a frequent basis. But his inability to convert saw his anger boil over around the hour mark as he kicked the ball into the heights of the Stretford End as an eventual goal was ruled out for offside.
However, by the conclusion of proceedings, all was more or less well and good for both parties. Ronaldo continued to plug away, finally scoring his first Old Trafford goal of the season in the 81st minute to secure a 3-0 win for his side.
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Rather fittingly, Ronaldo's goal came after an initial header following a Bruno Fernandes cross was saved. But Ronaldo, much like United had to throughout the encounter, showed resolve to react quickly and put away the rebound.
From the opening exchanges, Sheriff had lined up in a manner which emphasised being content to afford United possession and simply remain compact and defend themselves. It was a necessary test for United against a stubborn side, and one which they initially struggled to overcome, hence the need for them to show some resolution.
Sheriff's low block was effective in halting United's progress on numerous occasions throughout the first half, even with United's structure similarly good - as has become typical in recent weeks. Hereby, with the majority of visiting bodies behind the ball, United found it difficult to break down their opposition.
There were some bad habits that Ten Hag won't have been impressed by: his side occasionally resorted to playing long balls rather than being patient in their build-up, with desperate efforts from range often going awry.
When openings were found, United again suffered from their recurring lack of a clinical edge. Ronaldo wasn't the only culprit when it came to squandering opportunities - more a representation of the entire side's misfortunes in the more promising areas.
It was a frustrating opening period synonymous with Europa League ties, with United attacking but unable to breach the staunch resistance of their opposition.
It rather suited the pattern of the first half that United's breakthrough shortly prior to the break came through a set-piece rather than open play. Christian Eriksen showed his prowess as a corner-taker, with Diogo Dalot timing his leap and guiding a header home for only his second goal for United.
For Dalot, it felt like gaining merit for being one of United's most consistent performers this term after working hard to force his way from the fringes into becoming a regular starter.
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The fixture offered a challenge for United in terms of their ability to adapt during matches, with Ten Hag showing his ability to problem solve additionally.
At the break, Harry Maguire returned from injury as Lisandro Martinez was handed a rest, with Marcus Rashford replacing Antony. The latter change was notable due to the issue of Antony performing his trademark spin late in the first half, subsequently overhitting a pass.
Ten Hag insisted the withdrawal of Antony was planned to afford the Brazilian a rest, with reaction to the piece of 'showboating' blown considerably out of proportion. Paul Scholes labelled Antony a "clown" on punditry duty for BT Sport, with Robbie Savage continually raising the issue even after Antony was taken off.
As much as the skill was unnecessary, it was performed in complete innocence.
After his introduction in place of Antony, Rashford joined Ronaldo as a forward pair. Bruno Fernandes shifted wide onto the right flank, essentially forming a fluid front four in attempt to overload Sheriff and capitalise on them possibly being more expressive and opening up after falling behind.
Alejandro Garnacho featured from the start on the left, making his maiden first-team start for United. His performance was defined by its fearless nature, with Garnacho exuding confidence as he showed a will to be direct and take on opposing defenders, often drawing fouls as the match commenced. His performance warranted man of the match from many and a standing ovation as he was withdrawn for a returning Donny van de Beek just over 10 minutes from time.
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United's second half performance was much more assured - they were able to undo Sheriff to engineer clear-cut chances much more regularly.
Ronaldo's disallowed goal for offside exemplified United's structure when attacking. Maguire commenced the move with an accurate switch of play to Garnacho, who embodied the tempo by cutting inside after a skillful touch. Rashford then delivered a cross to Fernandes, whose header across to Ronaldo provided the goal-scoring chance. It was unfortunate that Ronaldo found himself in an offside position.
But United attacked in droves, proving such a move wasn't any sort of anomaly.
Their advantage was doubled in the 65th minute following another purposeful attack, which was finished by Rashord with a header following a cross from fellow substitute Luke Shaw.
It was Rashford's sixth goal of the season, exceeding the five goals scored last season and confirming his improvements this term. If it wasn't for some sub-par execution and excellent opposing goalkeeping performances of late, Rashford's tally could be even greater.
Shaw's role cannot be understated either. He now has two assists from crosses in as many games, proving the value of his technical ability when it comes to breaking sides down. He could have had another assist too as Scott McTominay later saw a close-range attempt denied.
Ronaldo also played his part by dropping deep to efficiently link play before his movement proved a contributing factor in the final stage of the move after Shaw's cross. It was a brisk attack also consisting of sharp passing between McTominay and Eriksen.
Regardless of rotation throughout the second half, which also saw Casemiro withdrawn for a rest as McTominay entered the fray alongside Shaw just after the hour mark, United were able to sustain their high level of domination, going on to secure three points with Ronaldo's goal in the closing stages.
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David De Gea hardly got a mention throughout proceedings - credit to United's constant duress placed on the opposing defence.
Sheriff were afforded nothing, literally. Compared to United's total of 24 shots, Sheriff failed to even register a single attempt.
Crucially, their hopes of topping Group E are kept alive. United need to win by at least two goals in their final group match against Real Sociedad to achieve this, but at least there remains a possibility that they can avoid the extra play-off round.
The additional set of matches is already guaranteed to include Barcelona, Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Ajax after their demotion from the Champions League. United must avoid this at all costs.
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