Sabah’s remarkable journey added a sense of romance to their first Champions League appearance at Old Trafford. The Azerbaijani club did not exist 10 years ago and had finished 41 points behind the league leaders in 2024-25, making their unexpected title triumph last season even more impressive. Manager Valdas Dambrauskas has overseen an exceptional transformation since arriving in the summer of the previous year.
For Manchester United, however, the evening was about delivering a professional result. Returning to Europe’s leading club tournament after two seasons away, they needed a lift following the disappointment of surrendering two points late in Sunday’s Premier League draw at Everton. With a derby against Manchester City approaching, United found their rhythm gradually before taking complete control in the first half.
Sabah competed bravely, but United were ruthless in front of goal. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring midway through the first period before Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko struck late in the half to establish a commanding advantage. Lisandro Martínez completed the scoring near the end, giving Michael Carrick a comfortable victory without any late drama ahead of the City match.
United were determined to make a positive return when the familiar Champions League anthem sounded, particularly after the disorder and disappointment of their previous campaign. Under Erik ten Hag in 2023-24, they collected only four points and finished last in their group, losing their opening and final fixtures to Bayern Munich. The chaotic games against Galatasaray and Copenhagen were equally painful, as United repeatedly lost control after moving ahead and conceded through a succession of defensive mistakes.
Carrick selected a strong starting lineup and made few changes in midfield or attack. The notable exception was Sesko, who received his first start of the season as the central striker. The decision also offered Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo another opportunity to strengthen their partnership before facing City.
As usual, United relied on Fernandes to provide creativity. His movement was sharp, his passing precise and several of his deliveries cleverly disguised. The opening goal began when he pursued a long ball that appeared destined to go out and managed to keep it in play. Sabah then surrendered possession cheaply to Bryan Mbeumo, allowing United to switch the attack swiftly to the left. Patrick Dorgu delivered the cross and Cunha finished confidently.
Sabah adopted an ambitious 4-3-3 system rather than sitting deep. They tried to test a United defence that looked slightly improvised, showing confidence in possession and a willingness to advance with the ball. Their best chance arrived in the 35th minute, when Kaheem Parris crossed towards the far post. Joy-Lance Mickels escaped Noussair Mazraoui but directed his header wide. Although the angle was difficult, it remained an opportunity he should have handled better.
The three-goal deficit at the interval was somewhat severe on Sabah, despite United’s attacking approach and growing number of chances. Two quick strikes near the end of the half decisively shifted the contest. Fernandes calmly converted after Tielemans accelerated on to Cunha’s inside pass, turned and supplied the assist. Fernandes then played an immediate ball towards Mbeumo, who released Sesko behind Sabah’s high defensive line. The striker rounded the goalkeeper and completed the move with complete assurance.
Around 90 minutes before the match, several Sabah players walked across the nearly empty pitch with their phones raised, recording the calm atmosphere and the imposing size of Old Trafford. Their broad smiles reflected the significance of the occasion, yet they refused to appear intimidated once play began. Ivan Lepinjica delivered an assured performance in central midfield, although his team’s defensive errors ultimately proved costly.
United produced fluent football in spells, with Mainoo and Fernandes consistently involved. When Carrick’s passing-and-movement approach operates effectively, the team’s potential is clear. The greater challenge will be reproducing that quality against stronger opponents, beginning with Manchester City.
Carrick brought on Mason Mount at half-time for his first competitive minutes of the season, replacing Tielemans after a productive display. Other players expected to feature against City were also given a rest. Mainoo and Sesko departed after 64 minutes, with the striker receiving warm applause. Having also scored at Everton on Sunday, Sesko strengthened his claim for a starting place in the derby.
United managed the second half comfortably, with the outcome already beyond serious doubt. The fourth goal reflected Sabah’s difficulties inside their own defensive area. Fernandes lifted a free-kick towards substitute Joshua Zirkzee, whose backheel deflected off Aden McCarthy. Goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov then became disoriented as the ball became trapped near his feet, leaving Martínez with a simple finish. Orphé Mbina sent a late header over the bar at the opposite end, denying Sabah even a consolation goal.
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