Man Utd return to Champions League with 4-0 win over Sabah

Manchester United made a statement on their return to the Champions League, beating Sabah FC 4-0 at Old Trafford in a dominant display under Michael Carrick.

Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute before Bruno Fernandes doubled the advantage shortly before half-time. Benjamin Sesko then added a third just three minutes later, giving United a commanding lead at the break.

Lisandro Martinez completed the scoring after the interval as United secured a clean sheet and an important opening result in the Champions League league phase.

The victory was United's first Champions League appearance in more than 1,000 days and their 300th match in Europe's premier club competition.

Cunha and Fernandes put United in control

Sabah started positively at Old Trafford and showed a willingness to play, but United gradually established control.

The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute when Patrick Dorgu delivered a cross that Cunha converted at the near post.

Sabah had a major opportunity to respond nine minutes later, but Joy-Lance Mickels headed wide from inside the six-yard box when he should have done better.

United punished that miss shortly afterwards.

Fernandes made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute after combining with Youri Tielemans, whose pass allowed the United captain to find the net.

The Belgian midfielder enjoyed an impressive first half, while Fernandes continued his influential form for Carrick's side.

Sesko scores again as United cruise

United extended their advantage just before half-time when Mbeumo played Sesko through and the striker rounded the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

It was another encouraging moment for Sesko, who had scored after coming off the bench against Everton. His first start of the season ended with another goal and underlined the different attacking qualities he can provide.

Carrick highlighted the striker's speed, physicality and ability to play on the last line and run in behind after the game.

The three-goal advantage meant United could manage the second half with the result effectively secured.

Martinez completes the scoring

Carrick made changes after the interval, but United continued to create opportunities.

The fourth goal arrived in the 68th minute after Joshua Zirkzee produced some impressive play, with his backheel finding Martinez inside the area.

The defender finished from close range to complete the 4-0 victory.

Zirkzee's cameo was another positive for Carrick as United demonstrated the attacking depth available to them.

With goal difference potentially proving important in the Champions League league phase, the emphatic victory gave United an ideal start.

Carrick has selection decisions ahead

The result gives Carrick plenty to consider before United's next major test against Manchester City on Sunday.

Fernandes again impressed, while his combination with Tielemans offered encouragement. Tielemans produced what was described as perhaps his best 45 minutes at Old Trafford.

Sesko's performance also strengthens his case for more involvement after his goals in consecutive appearances. Marcus Rashford is another attacking option available to Carrick, while Cunha's goal should provide him with a confidence boost.

Dorgu also enjoyed an influential evening at left-back in Luke Shaw's absence from the squad. With United dominating possession and territory, he was able to operate almost like a winger.

That freedom is unlikely to be as easy to find against City's attack, but Carrick's side head into the derby with renewed confidence.

Carrick praises United's performance

Carrick was pleased with both the result and the overall performance.

"I think it was kind of what we set out to achieve, good performance, individually and collectively throughout the game, the boys that started, the boys that came on pitch, clean sheet, goals, exciting football. A good night all round," he said.

The United boss acknowledged that the team's league results had not matched their expectations but said the performances had provided plenty of encouragement.

"Results-wise, it has not been the start that what we wanted. We wanted more points in the league. But performance-wise, it has been a lot of things we are looking for."

He also praised Sesko's qualities and the threat he brings to the attack.

"He definitely offers a different kind of threat, that is the beauty of it really, we know what Ben gives us and there are not many who can give us what he gives us. Speed, physicality, ability to play on the last line and run in behind. Great to have him back."

Sabah boss admits United were difficult to contain

Sabah head coach Valdas Dambrauskas said his team had tried to remain positive throughout the match but acknowledged that United's attacking quality made the task extremely difficult.

"I didn't feel like we were shaking or scared, we tried to play, for the whole 90 minutes we did that. We were escaping from time to time from United pressure."

Dambrauskas felt Sabah could have produced a better result but admitted his defenders struggled to push higher up the pitch.

"We did not have enough courage probably from the back line to get up. Our centre-backs stayed too deep, not afraid but maybe from inexperience we were over-evaluating the opponent."

He added that allowing United's attacking players space to turn and run made them extremely difficult to stop.

The result leaves United with an ideal start to their Champions League campaign, although a far tougher challenge awaits when they travel to Atletico Madrid in their next European fixture.

SportsLigue