UCL: Man Utd Beat Sabah 4-0 on Champions League Return

Manchester United made a triumphant return to the UEFA Champions League on Thursday, defeating Azerbaijani champions Sabah 4-0 at Old Trafford.

The victory gave Michael Carrick’s side an ideal start to their league-phase campaign after United missed the competition for two seasons.

The hosts took control in the 27th minute when Matheus Cunha converted a cross from Patrick Dorgu to put United ahead.

Sabah had an opportunity to respond when Joy-Lance Mickels was presented with a clear chance to equalise, but the forward failed to convert his header.

United punished the miss shortly afterwards, with Bruno Fernandes doubling the advantage in the 42nd minute.

Benjamin Sesko then struck just three minutes later to make it 3-0 before the interval, leaving the visitors facing an almost impossible task of recovering after the break.

United continued to dominate after half-time and added a fourth goal in the 68th minute through Lisandro Martinez.

The clean sheet provided an additional boost for Carrick, whose team produced a controlled performance against a Sabah side making its debut in the Champions League league phase.

The Azerbaijani champions had reached the competition after progressing through four qualifying rounds, but found the step up in quality at Old Trafford difficult to handle.

For United, the emphatic victory represents an encouraging beginning to their European campaign and offers confidence ahead of a demanding league-phase schedule.

The result also gives the players momentum going into Sunday’s Manchester derby against Manchester City, with the team seeking to build on the positive start.

United’s return to the Champions League had been eagerly anticipated by supporters following their absence from the competition since the 2023-24 season.

With four different players getting on the scoresheet, Carrick will also be pleased with the attacking contribution across his team.

The Red Devils will now turn their attention to the next round of league-phase fixtures, where significantly tougher opponents await.

For Sabah, meanwhile, the defeat represents a difficult introduction to the Champions League proper, although their qualification alone marks a historic achievement for the club.

United will hope Thursday’s convincing victory signals the beginning of a much stronger European campaign under Carrick.