Manchester United made a stylish return to the Champions League, securing a 4-0 group stage victory over tournament newcomers Sabah from Azerbaijan.
United who are three times winners, were making their initial appearance in Europe’s top club tournament after three seasons and charged into a three-goal advantage at halftime in Thursday’s game through goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, and Benjamin Sesko.
The home team secured the win in the second half with a goal from Lisandro Martinez, though it wasn’t entirely without tension.
United had a sluggish beginning, causing a few faint sighs from the Old Trafford supporters, but any tension eased when Cunha scored from Patrick Dorgu’s low cross in the 27th minute.
A troubling moment followed for the home team when Kaheem Parris surged into the box and delivered an ideal cross to Joy-Lance Mickels, who, despite having an excellent opportunity, failed to convert his header.
United’s captain Fernandes, listed as a contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, scored the second goal following a passing sequence that highlighted the increasing confidence of the home team.
Sesko was played through for the third just before half-time, and the Slovakian forward evaded the keeper—avoiding the urge to fall for a penalty—before scoring from a narrow angle.
Cunha nearly scored his second and United’s fourth after an hour, but his curled attempt from the edge of the area was too close to the goalkeeper. Fernandes attempted a similar shot just moments later but missed.
The tempo in the second period had slowed down, but the fourth goal came when Martinez scored from the goal line after a tussle in the box following a corner.
Sabah had one last opportunity to score at Old Trafford, but Parris struck a late, low shot across the goal when he should have at least challenged the goalkeeper.
It was an evening when United manager Michael Carrick could rest some of his key players, though only three adjustments were made to the team that drew 2-2 with Everton on Sunday.
Focused on this Sunday’s Manchester derby, the Red Devils exploited the scoreline to implement second-half changes, making all five substitutions with over 20 minutes left.
The outcome, marking one of the largest mismatches in Champions League history, does not disguise the flaws evident in United’s return of only four points from their initial three Premier League matches.
Any current shortcomings will still be revealed when their opponents from across the city come on Sunday.
