Manchester United’s return to the UEFA Champions League began with a statement victory as Michael Carrick’s side swept aside Sabah FK 4-0 at Old Trafford.
United controlled the league-phase fixture with 57.8% possession and a relentless attacking output, registering 21 shots and putting 10 on target. Sabah showed commitment and managed 11 attempts of their own, but could not test the United goalkeeper, finishing without a shot on target.
Three goals settle it before the interval
The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute when Matheus Cunha struck a volley to settle any early nerves around Old Trafford. The hosts continued to press Sabah back, using their territorial dominance and seven corners to keep the visitors under sustained pressure.
Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead in the 42nd minute, before Benjamin Sesko added a third in the 45th minute. The late first-half burst sent United into the interval 3-0 ahead and left Sabah with an increasingly steep task.
Martínez completes the rout
Sabah attempted to remain competitive after the restart, but United’s structure and control prevented the visitors from generating a meaningful final ball. Patrick Dorgu was booked in the 62nd minute, while Sabah midfielder Ivan Lepinjica saw yellow in the 67th.
A minute later, Lisandro Martínez made it 4-0 in the 68th minute, putting the finishing touch on a composed and comprehensive home performance.
It was an ideal opening night for Carrick and his players: a clean sheet, four different scorers and three valuable points in the Champions League league phase. With the senior side delivering on the European stage and 15-year-old prospect Gabriel recently drawing attention after a hat-trick in his UEFA U19 debut, there is a growing sense of attacking optimism around the club.
Goals: Matheus Cunha 27′, Bruno Fernandes 42′, Benjamin Sesko 45′, Lisandro Martínez 68′.
