Manchester United made a commanding return to the UEFA Champions League on Thursday night, cruising to a convincing 4-0 victory over Azerbaijani champions Sabah FC at Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick’s side produced a professional and dominant display to begin their European campaign in style, scoring three goals before half-time before adding a fourth after the break. The result gives United an important early boost as they return to Europe’s premier club competition.

Cunha Opens the Scoring

Manchester United started the game with plenty of attacking intent, although Sabah showed early signs that they were not prepared simply to sit back and defend.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 27th minute. Patrick Dorgu delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, and Matheus Cunha finished the move to put United ahead.

The goal settled the home side and allowed United to take greater control of proceedings. Sabah struggled to cope with the pace and movement of United’s attacking players, while United’s midfield began to dictate the tempo.

Sabah did have an opportunity to respond. Joy-Lance Mickels missed a good chance to equalise, a moment that ultimately proved costly for the visitors.

Fernandes and Šeško Strike Before Half-Time

United continued to press and doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute, with captain Bruno Fernandes finding the net.

Fernandes once again demonstrated his importance to United, combining effectively with midfielder Youri Tielemans as the home side continued to find spaces in Sabah’s defence.

Just three minutes later, United struck again.

Benjamin Šeško scored in the 45th minute to make it 3-0, giving the hosts a commanding advantage going into half-time. It was an encouraging moment for the forward, who was making his first start of the season after scoring as a substitute against Everton.

The three-goal advantage effectively took the contest away from Sabah before the interval.

Lisandro Martínez Completes the Rout

With United firmly in control, Carrick was able to manage his squad during the second half.

Sabah continued to try to play rather than completely abandon their attacking approach, but United’s quality proved too much. The hosts eventually added a fourth goal in the 68th minute, with Lisandro Martínez finishing from close range.

The goal completed a comfortable 4-0 victory and gave United a clean sheet on their return to the Champions League.

Joshua Zirkzee also impressed after coming off the bench, producing some eye-catching attacking play as United maintained their dominance.

A Perfect European Start for Carrick

The victory represents an excellent start to United’s Champions League campaign under Michael Carrick.

After spending more than 1,000 days without playing a Champions League fixture, United returned to Europe’s biggest club competition with a performance that will have pleased their manager. The four goals also provide a potentially valuable boost to their goal difference in the league-phase format.

United’s performance was not simply about the scoreline. The team showed greater attacking confidence, controlled large portions of the game and gave several players valuable minutes ahead of a much more demanding fixture.

Bruno Fernandes was influential once again, while Tielemans impressed in midfield. Šeško’s goal will also encourage United supporters, particularly after the forward made an impact from the bench in the previous Premier League fixture.

Sabah’s Historic Night Ends in Disappointment

Despite the heavy defeat, Sabah deserve credit for reaching this stage of the competition.

The Azerbaijani club are relatively new to the European elite, having been founded in 2017, and this was their first appearance in the Champions League league phase. Their journey to Old Trafford included several qualifying rounds, making the occasion historic for the club.

Sabah manager Valdas Dambrauskas admitted afterwards that his team could have produced a better result, but he also acknowledged the difficulty of containing United’s quality.

The visitors also made Champions League history by starting a team featuring 11 players of 11 different nationalities, highlighting the international nature of their squad.

Manchester Derby Next

United will not have long to celebrate their European success.

Their attention now turns to the Manchester derby against Manchester City on Sunday, September 13, at Old Trafford.

The derby will provide a considerably tougher examination of Carrick’s team, but United head into the fixture with confidence after scoring four goals and keeping a clean sheet against Sabah.

The victory also gives Carrick important selection options. Fernandes continues to provide leadership and creativity, while Šeško has strengthened his case for regular involvement following his goal.

For Manchester United supporters, the message from the Sabah game is clear: the club’s Champions League return could hardly have started better.

Manchester United 4-0 Sabah FC — Cunha, Fernandes, Šeško and Martínez ensured a comfortable night at Old Trafford and gave United the perfect start to their European campaign.