Manchester United marked their long-awaited return to the UEFA Champions League in emphatic fashion on Thursday evening, dismantling Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK 4–0 at Old Trafford.
Playing in Europe’s premier competition for the first time in three seasons, Michael Carrick’s side put on a dominant display in front of a packed home crowd to kick off their League Phase campaign with maximum points.
Matheus Cunha broke the deadlock midway through the first half, meeting Patrick Dorgu’s pinpoint cross at the near post to steer home the opener.
Captain Bruno Fernandes finished off a sharp passing sequence with Youri Tielemans to slot home his fourth goal in two home appearances.
Bryan Mbeumo slipped Benjamin Šeško through, allowing the Slovenian striker to round the keeper and roll the ball into an empty net on his first start of the season.
Lisandro Martínez reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the six-yard box following a set-piece scramble to hammer home United’s fourth.
“It’s nice to have a clean sheet and, obviously, win the game. I thought some of our attacking players were fantastic. Some of the football we played was really good, and we defended for the most part really well.”
The victory provides a timely confidence boost for the Red Devils as they prepare to host rival Manchester City at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.
