Manchester United mark Champions League return with 4-0 win over Sabah
United scored three times before half-time and completed a comfortable victory over Champions League debutants Sabah at Old Trafford.
Manchester United began their return to the UEFA Champions League with a 4-0 league-phase victory over Azerbaijan’s Sabah at Old Trafford.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute, converting Patrick Dorgu’s low cross after United had made a cautious start. Bruno Fernandes added a second before Benjamin Sesko struck on the stroke of half-time to give the hosts a three-goal lead.
Lisandro Martinez completed the scoring in the 68th minute, tapping in from close range after a scramble following a corner. Sabah had opportunities to score, including a first-half header from Joy-Lance Mickels and a late effort from Kaheem Parris, but neither tested United’s goalkeeper.
The result was United’s first Champions League appearance in three seasons, while Sabah were making their debut in the competition. The league phase features 36 clubs, with each team playing eight matches.
United used all five substitutions with more than 20 minutes remaining, allowing manager Michael Carrick to rotate his squad ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby. As reported by Al Jazeera, the emphatic win came after United had collected four points from their opening three Premier League matches.
