Man United begin UCL campaign with 4-0 win over Sabah

By Tosin Omojola  –

Manchester United recorded their biggest Champions League victory since 2020 after thrashing Azerbaijan champions Sabah FK 4-0 at Old Trafford.

Sabah FK, who came through four rounds of qualifying to reach the main league phase for the first time, struggled to cope with United’s quality despite creating some chances.

United effectively settled the contest before half-time, with goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko giving head coach Michael Carrick the perfect result ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.

For Sesko, the goal was particularly significant as he made his first start since May 3 and provided the focus in attack that had been missing from United’s opening three Premier League games.

His performance could put him in contention to start against Manchester City, leaving Carrick with a choice between Cunha and Marcus Rashford for the left side after Rashford remained on the bench throughout.

The victory also gave United an ideal start to their Champions League campaign after more than 1,000 days away from the competition.

With trips to Atletico Madrid, Como and Sporting Lisbon ahead, alongside home fixtures against Roma and Bayern Munich, the victory ensured United avoided an early setback in the league phase.

United now sit just behind holders Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona in the table, with Carrick knowing the team must quickly turn its attention to Sunday’s Manchester derby after collecting four points from their opening three Premier League games.