Despite recent domestic struggles in the English Premier League, Manchester United asserted their authority on the European stage with a commanding performance. Michael Carrick’s side secured a resounding 4–0 victory over Azerbaijani club Sabah FC in their UEFA Champions League opener at Old Trafford on Thursday night (September 10, 2026). Goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Šeško, and Lisandro Martínez sealed a comfortable win for the Red Devils.
The hosts controlled the tempo from the opening whistle. In the 27th minute, young defender Patrick Dorgu delivered a precise cross into the box, allowing Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha to finish neatly and put United ahead 1–0. The Red Devils then effectively put the match out of reach with a rapid two-goal blitz late in the first half.
In the 39th minute, captain Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead with a clinical strike following a pass from Youri Tielemans. Just two minutes later (41st minute), Slovenian forward Benjamin Šeško latched onto a well-weighted pass from Bryan Mbeumo, rounded Sabah goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov, and slotted the ball into an empty net to make it 3–0.
United capitalized on a defensive blunder early in the second half to extend their lead. In the 49th minute, Pokatilov failed to properly clear a dangerous free-kick delivery from Joshua Zirkzee, allowing World Cup-winning defender Lisandro Martínez to tap in the fourth goal from close range. Despite several fine saves by the Sabah goalkeeper later in the half, Carrick’s squad cruised to a comprehensive 4–0 victory and secured all three points.
