Manchester, Sep 11 (V7N)- Manchester United made a commanding return to the UEFA Champions League, defeating Azerbaijani side Sabah FC 4-0 at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Šeško and Lisandro Martínez scored for Michael Carrick’s side as United put their recent Premier League struggles behind them with a convincing European performance.
United took the lead in the 27th minute when Cunha converted Patrick Dorgu’s cross. The hosts then took complete control late in the first half with two goals in quick succession.
Captain Bruno Fernandes doubled United’s advantage in the 42nd minute, finishing a move involving Youri Tielemans. Šeško then made it 3-0 in the 45th minute after receiving a pass from Bryan Mbeumo and rounding the Sabah goalkeeper before finding the net.
United continued to dominate after the break, although the pace of the match slowed as Carrick began rotating his squad ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.
The fourth goal arrived in the 68th minute after a defensive mistake by Sabah. Following a set-piece situation, goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov failed to deal with the ball, allowing Martínez to tap into an unguarded net.
The victory marked United’s return to Europe’s premier club competition after a two-year absence. The result also provided a confidence boost following their early-season Premier League difficulties.
United will now turn their attention to the Manchester derby, while Sabah will look to regroup after a difficult Champions League debut.
END/SMA/AJ
