A dominant Old Trafford display announced United’s Champions League return with authority
By Andalo Christine Ingutia
Manchester United yesterday marked their return to the UEFA Champions League in the most emphatic fashion possible, dismantling Azerbaijani champions Sabah 4–0 at Old Trafford in the opening match of the 2026–27 league phase.
It was a performance that left little room for argument. United were in control early, and by the time the half-time whistle sounded, the contest was already over.
Sabah actually began with a degree of confidence and came close to levelling shortly after falling behind, when Joy-Lance Mickels spurned a clear chance to equalise. But United’s quality ultimately told, and the visitors were overwhelmed before the break.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a composed finish inside the box, converting a perfectly weighted cross from Patrick Dorgu. Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead in the 42nd minute, before Benjamin Šeško made it three just three minutes later to send Old Trafford into full voice at the interval.
The second half brought more of the same. Lisandro Martínez rose to head home from a set piece in the 68th minute, completing a comprehensive 4–0 victory and a clean sheet to go with it.
Dorgu was outstanding throughout. The Danish full-back was a constant threat down the left flank, defending diligently while driving forward to create danger with every run. His cross for Cunha’s opener was the defining moment of the first half — a perfectly timed delivery that gave the striker no choice but to score. Even after that, Dorgu never stopped. He combined relentless energy with sharp passing all evening and thoroughly deserved the Player of the Match award, leaving the pitch to a roaring reception from the Old Trafford crowd.
Captain Fernandes, meanwhile, was the creative force behind almost everything United did going forward. Playing in his natural playmaker role, he controlled the tempo with precision, slicing through Sabah’s defensive shape with incisive passes and always being where the game needed him most. His goal gave United the breathing room they needed before the break — and confirmed why he remains the heartbeat of this side.
Credit, too, must go to Sabah. Even four goals down, they kept pressing and looked for a way back into the game through quick counter-attacks, searching for any space the United defence might concede. They found none. Martínez and Leny Yoro were commanding at the back, keeping the defensive line organised and composed from first minute to last.
The result marks United’s 26th Champions League campaign — an English record — and their first in the competition for three seasons. Their previous European campaign, in 2023–24, ended in the group stage. Manager Michael Carrick, who secured the permanent job after guiding United from seventh to third during the second half of last season, could hardly have asked for a better opening statement.
Yes, the opposition was Sabah — a club from Azerbaijan, only nine years old, making their Champions League debut. The occasion was, by some measures, a gentle reintroduction. But in a tournament where confidence and momentum matter, a 4–0 win and a clean sheet on home soil is precisely the kind of start United needed.
The Red Devils are back.
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