Champions League: Manchester United thrash Sabah on their big return

Three years after their last appearance, Man United made a perfect European return by beating Sabah 4-0 at Old Trafford

Europe Today at 17:08

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Champions League: Manchester United thrash Sabah on their big return

10.09.26 FT Champions League

Manchester United

Sabah FK

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United made the perfect return to the Champions League. Three years after their previous appearance in the competition, the three-time European champions comfortably defeated Sabah FK 4-0 at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

#UCL NIGHTS ARE BACK! ❤️‍🔥
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 10, 2026

The Red Devils had effectively settled the contest before half-time. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring after Patrick Dorgu’s delivery, before Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead from a Youri Tielemans assist. Benjamin Sesko then added a third, opening his Champions League account for the season.

United cruise after dominant first half

With a three-goal cushion at the interval, Carrick was able to manage the second half far more comfortably. Sabah had shown early courage and even struck the crossbar, but the Azerbaijani side gradually faded against United’s superior technical quality and physical intensity.

Carrick took advantage of the scoreline to rotate his squad and hand minutes to several players. Although the tempo dropped after the break, Lisandro Martínez added the fourth goal to complete an emphatic victory.

The result gives United an immediate three points in the 36-team league phase. After their disastrous 2023-24 European campaign, when they finished bottom of their group, this was exactly the kind of start the club wanted on its return to Europe’s elite competition.

Manchester City next, then Atlético Madrid

United will have little time to celebrate. Their next match comes on Sunday, September 13, when they host Manchester City in the derby at Old Trafford. Kick-off is scheduled for 16:30 UK time and 17:30 in France.

In the Champions League, United’s second fixture will be away to Atlético Madrid on October 13 at 21:00 French time. Manchester United’s full European schedule then includes Como, Roma, Sporting CP, RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Villarreal.