Manchester United made a commanding return to the UEFA Champions League on Thursday, defeating Azerbaijani debutants Sabah 4-0 at Old Trafford to open their European campaign with a convincing victory.
United gradually took control after a cautious opening and eventually produced a dominant attacking display. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 28th minute before captain Bruno Fernandes doubled the advantage seven minutes later. Benjamin Sesko then added a third just before half-time, leaving Sabah facing a difficult task after the interval.
The victory marked United’s return to Europe’s premier club competition after missing out in the previous campaign. The club qualified for the Champions League after finishing third in the Premier League last season under manager Michael Carrick.
United had to be patient during the opening stages as Sabah defended in numbers and attempted to frustrate the hosts.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 28th minute. Bruno Fernandes helped move the ball forward before Dorgu delivered a low cross into the area. The move created the opening for Cunha, who finished from close range to put Manchester ahead.
The goal settled the hosts and allowed United to play with greater confidence as they began creating more opportunities.
United doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute through Fernandes. The captain was involved in the build-up before receiving the ball inside the area and calmly finding the net, giving Sabah goalkeeper Andrey Pokatilov little chance.
Manchester then struck again almost immediately. Benjamin Sesko received the ball after a combination involving Mainoo, Fernandes and Mbeumo, moved around the goalkeeper and finished into an unguarded net.
The goal gave United a 3-0 advantage at half-time and effectively put the result beyond Sabah’s reach. United continued to control proceedings after the break and manager Michael Carrick used the comfortable advantage to rotate his squad and give opportunities to younger players.
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The fourth goal arrived in the 69th minute through Lisandro Martinez following a chaotic sequence inside the Sabah penalty area. The ball ricocheted around the box before Martinez reacted quickest to fire it into the net.
The goal completed a convincing 4-0 victory and gave United an ideal start to their Champions League campaign.
Despite the heavy defeat, the match represented a historic occasion for Sabah, who were appearing in the Champions League for the first time.
The Azerbaijani champions reached the league phase after coming through the qualifying rounds, including a victory over Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Their visit to Old Trafford was their first appearance in the main phase of European football’s elite competition.
Sabah also made history by starting the match with players from 11 different nationalities, underlining the international nature of their squad.
The result gives Carrick and his players an important confidence boost after a mixed beginning to the domestic season.
United had entered the Champions League opener following a 2-2 Premier League draw against Everton, while they had also suffered a surprise defeat to newly promoted Hull City earlier in the campaign.
The comprehensive victory over Sabah therefore provides a positive platform for United as they prepare for a demanding schedule, including their upcoming Manchester derby against Manchester City.
For Sabah, the experience of playing at Old Trafford provides a significant moment in the club’s development despite the result. United, meanwhile, will take encouragement from the attacking quality and squad depth displayed in their first Champions League outing.
The 4-0 victory gives Manchester United three valuable points and a strong opening statement on their return to Europe’s top club competition.
The Guardian/Talksports/Reuters
