Cristiano Ronaldo has told Manchester United fans that the squad will "never stop fighting" after winning caretaker boss Michael Carrick's first game in charge.
An impressive second-half performance at Villarreal saw United score twice and earn a rare clean sheet, with Ronaldo pouncing on a defensive error to opening the scoring before Jadon Sancho slammed home his first goal for the club.
Ronaldo opening's goal made Champions League history as the competition's all-time top scorer is now the first player to score in each of an English club's first five matches of a single European Cup/Champions League season, excluding qualifiers.
It was a statement result for Carrick in his first game in the hot seat and saw United confirm their place in the Champions League knockout stage, and then top spot after Atalanta failed to beat Young Boys.
United are currently exploring managerial options, with former Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde approached for an interim role and Paris Saint-Germain's Mauricio Pochettino keen on the permanent position.
Amid the off-field distractions, Ronaldo once again did the business on the pitch upon his return to Spain.
He posted on Instagram: "Always great to play in Spain, amazing to win in Spain, satisfying to score in Spain, a country where I always felt special… Congrats to the lads for a great victory that puts us where we belong! We are Man. United and we will never stop fighting for this club! Let’s go, Devils!"
United are next in action at the weekend as they visit Premier League leaders Chelsea.
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