On Thursday evening, Manchester United traveled to face Eastern European outfit Sheriff in the Europa League. After quite a bit of struggles this season under new manager Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils desperately needed a win to help them get back on track.

The match ended as a well-earned 2-0 win for ten Hag's men, and while it was not the prettiest of victories, three points are three points.

But what really got fans buzzing was the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo has finally opened his account for Manchester United. It has been a difficult summer for the 37-year-old, who was angling for a move away to play in the Champions League, but nothing came to fruition.

As such, the Portuguese superstar is playing in the Europa League for the first time in his glittering career. Although certainly this will feel like a huge "downgrade" for a player many have nicknamed "Mr. Champions League" due to his impressive stats from European club football's premier competition, Cristiano nonetheless appears to be taking it all in stride.

On Thursday, he netted Manchester United's second goal of the game to effectively seal a win for Manchester United. In doing so, not only was this his first goal for Manchester United this season, but his first ever in the Europa League and now takes him to 699 goals for his club career.

Watch Cristiano Ronaldo's first ever Europa League goal (video might be geo-restricted for your location):

CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORES HIS FIRST #UEL GOAL FROM THE SPOT

His first Man Utd goal of the season pic.twitter.com/T1B1BzD6Aj

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 15, 2022

Manchester United's upcoming match with Leeds United has been postponed due to the United Kingdom still being in mourning for Queen Elizabeth II and the monarch's funeral on Monday, September 19th. As such, the Red Devils will be next in action on October 2nd in a much-anticipated derby with Manchester City.