Manchester United marked their return to the Champions League with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sabah FC at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring before Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko struck late in the first half. Lisandro Martinez added a fourth after the break as Michael Carrick’s side began their European campaign with three points and a strong goal difference.
United had not played in the Champions League for more than 1,000 days. Their return also marked their 300th match in Europe’s premier club competition.
Sabah started brightly and created a chance to level through Joy-Lance Mickels. United survived that moment before taking control.
Cunha broke the deadlock in the 27th minute. Patrick Dorgu sent a cross into the area and Cunha converted to give United the lead.
Fernandes then doubled the advantage late in the half after combining with Youri Tielemans. The Belgian midfielder produced an impressive opening 45 minutes and linked well with United’s captain.
Sesko made it 3-0 before the interval. The forward had scored as a substitute against Everton and looked sharp again on his first start of the season.
Carrick made changes after the break with the result effectively secure. United still found another goal, though, as Martinez finished from close range after Joshua Zirkzee produced some clever work in the build-up.
The clean sheet and four-goal margin also give United an early boost in a league phase where goal difference could prove important.
Carrick now faces a selection test ahead of Sunday’s derby against Manchester City. Fernandes again underlined his importance, while Tielemans strengthened his case after an influential first half.
Sesko’s performance adds another option in attack, particularly with Marcus Rashford also available. Cunha also gained confidence from his goal after United gave him opportunities in the final third.
Dorgu enjoyed an advanced role from left-back with Luke Shaw absent from the squad. United’s dominance allowed him to operate almost as a winger, although City should offer a far tougher test.
