Manchester United made a winning return to the UEFA Champions League with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Azerbaijani champions Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez scored as United took full advantage of a favourable opening fixture.
United entered the match after a difficult start to their Premier League campaign. They had collected only four points from their first three matches.
The quality gap became clear in the 27th minute when Cunha opened the scoring. Patrick Dorgu impressed in the absence of Luke Shaw and delivered a dangerous cross. Cunha met it at the near post and fired United ahead.
The hosts doubled their advantage before half-time. Fernandes combined with Youri Tielemans before calmly finishing to score his fourth goal in two home appearances this season.
United struck again just minutes later. Bryan Mbeumo sent Sesko through on goal. The striker rounded goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov and rolled the ball into an empty net for his first goal of the season.
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United controlled the match after the break and rarely looked troubled. Sabah struggled to create a response against the English side.
The fourth goal arrived after a mistake from Pokatilov. Joshua Zirkzee’s backheel was blocked, but the loose ball fell near the goalkeeper. Martinez reacted quickly and finished into an empty net.
Manager Michael Carrick then made several changes with Sunday’s Manchester derby against Manchester City in mind. Several key players were given a rest during the second half.
Sabah had reached the Champions League after progressing through four qualifying rounds. However, their historic European debut against United proved a difficult challenge.
The victory gives Manchester United a confident start to their Champions League campaign. Their next European test will come away to Atletico Madrid in five weeks.
