As Manchester United secures a spot in the Europa League round of 16, Ronaldo scores.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored upon his return to the starting lineup for Manchester United on Thursday as they defeated Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 at Old Trafford to secure a spot in the Europa League knockout rounds.

Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford had already given the home team a comfortable lead when Ronaldo, who had been excluded from the squad for the weekend’s Premier League trip to Chelsea due to disciplinary issues, scored United’s third goal.

With 12 points from five games, United is in second place in Group E heading into its final pool-stage matchup against Real Sociedad, where a win would put it on top of the standings and guarantee it a spot in the playoffs.

With only Dalot’s header from a Christian Eriksen corner shortly before the interval to show for it, Erik ten Hag’s side may have been out of sight by halftime against Sheriff of Moldova after creating multiple chances.

After missing the previous eight games due to a hamstring injury, defender Harry Maguire entered the game for the second half. In the 65th minute, Rashford headed in a cross from Luke Shaw, doubling United’s advantage. Late in the third, Ronaldo scored a close-range goal.

The group winner advances to the round of 16, while the eight runners-up participate in the playoffs in February against the eight teams that finished third in their respective Champions League groups.

Robert Navarro and Brais Mendez scored for Sociedad as they overcame Omonia 2-0, and Tammy Abraham scored for Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma as they upset HJK Helsinki 2-1 to maintain their playoff hopes.

They are in third place with seven points after five games and must defeat Ludogorets at home the following week to stay in the race.