Manchester United recorded their largest Champions League win since 2020 by easing past Sabah FC at Old Trafford. The Azerbaijan champions had qualified for the main league phase for the first time after navigating four qualifying rounds, but they could not keep pace with their Premier League hosts.
Sabah FC did generate opportunities during the match, yet United’s dominance was evident as the home side quickly took command. Goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, and Benjamin Sesko handed Michael Carrick’s team a comfortable lead before the interval.
With just three days separating the Champions League fixture and Sunday’s Manchester derby, Carrick would have been relieved to see the contest effectively decided before half-time. The outcome also provided United with an ideal beginning to their return to the competition after more than 1,000 days absent.
Manchester United returns to the Champions League
The win was especially important because United face a challenging schedule in the league phase. Their forthcoming away fixtures include Atletico Madrid, Como, and Sporting Lisbon, while Roma and Bayern Munich will come to Old Trafford.
United therefore could not afford to lose points in their opening match. A victory means they have no early gap to close in the Champions League, unlike their current situation in the Premier League, where four points from their first three games leave little margin for another slip.
The opening round has placed United just behind holders Paris St-Germain, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich in the table. Although the standings are unlikely to stay this way for long, the early positions offer a positive outlook for Carrick’s side.
Sabah FK faces a Champions League lesson
Sabah FK made history by reaching the main league phase after advancing through four qualifying rounds. However, their first appearance at this stage revealed the significant gap between the level they are used to and that of a Premier League club.
The Azerbaijan champions did create chances, but United were much more ruthless. Cunha, Fernandes, and Sesko all scored before half-time, leaving Sabah FK with a tough task after the break.
For United, the fast start was precisely what was needed given the limited preparation time before the Manchester derby. Ending the match early allowed Carrick’s team to avoid an unnecessarily taxing second half.
Michael Carrick faces a Benjamin Sesko selection call
Benjamin Sesko’s performance was one of the most notable positives for United. The Slovenian made his first start since 3 May and added a sharper edge to the attack, something that had been lacking during the club’s opening three Premier League games.
His display puts Sesko firmly in contention for a starting spot against Manchester City. Carrick must also choose who will play on the left, with Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford competing for the role. Rashford stayed on the bench for the entire match against Sabah FK.
The decision gives Carrick a selection dilemma he is likely to welcome. United’s head coach said after Sunday’s game at Everton that the team’s start to the season had “not been that bad,” but four points from three Premier League matches cannot become four from four.
The convincing Champions League victory gives United momentum ahead of the Manchester derby, while Sesko’s return to the starting lineup provides Carrick with another attacking option at a crucial point in the season.