The Portuguese superstar saved the day for Manchester United in the club's first game since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal
Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze came on as a second-half substitute for Villarreal, but Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho struck late to inspire Manchester United to a 2-0 victory at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Tuesday evening.
Villarreal dominated much of the proceedings in this UEFA Champions League matchday five clash but lacked the cutting edge to break the deadlock against a United side that had conceded 13 goals in their last five games.
And it was no surprise to see manager Unai Emery look to force issues in the final third with the introduction of Super Eagles wing wizard Chukwueze in the 73rd minute.
But it was the visitors who grabbed the opening goal five minutes later against the run of play when Ronaldo punished a blunder by goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Villarreal are masters at avoiding defeats, with the Yellow Submarines having drawn nine games already this season. And the Spaniards poured forward in search of an equaliser.
But English youngster Sancho smashed home United's second goal from a Bruno Fernandes cross deep into stoppage time to seal all three points for the Red Devils.
Chukwueze has one goal in three Champions League appearances this term, with the 22-year-old hitting the target in Villarreal's 4-1 thumping of Young Boys in Austria in October.
