Michael Carrick won his first match as interim manager as Manchester United claimed a 2-0 victory over Villarreal in the Champions League.

The Red Devils, who sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday, have now booked their place in the Champions League last-16 stage.

Carrick didn't mess around with his first starting XI as he dropped Solskjaer favourite Bruno Fernandes for Donny van de Beek and Alex Telles replacing Luke Shaw, who didn't travel with the team.

United also look more organised tactically as they clogged up the midfield and forced Villarreal to play out wide.

However, it didn't t stop the hosts from threatening David De Gea's goal.

It was fortunate De Gea was in top form as he made two one-handed saves, one in each half, to deny Manu Trigueros.

Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock after 78 minutes thanks to a poor pass from Etienne Capoue which was dispossessed by Fred.

The Portuguese superstar displayed his usual poise in front of goal to intelligently lift the ball over Geronimo Rulli.

Jadon Sancho was lively all night and was rewarded with a late goal that sealed victory for his side.

United will finish as group winners with a game to spare if Atalanta fail to win away at Swiss side Young Boys in the later game on Tuesday.