Temi Kings
Manchester United launched their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with total authority on Thursday night, cruising to a comfortable 4-0 victory against Sabah FK at Old Trafford. Returning to Europe's elite competition under Michael Carrick, the Red Devils made quick work of their Azerbaijani opponents, resolving the contest before the halftime whistle blew with an irresistible three-goal flurry in 18 minutes.
The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when Patrick Dorgu delivered a sharp cross from the left wing, allowing Matheus Cunha to sweep a first-time finish into the net for his maiden Champions League goal. Captain Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead in the 42nd minute, latching onto a brilliant setup from Youri Tielemans to slot coolly into the bottom corner. Just three minutes later, Bryan Mbeumo slipped in Benjamin Šeško, who displayed immense composure to round goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov and slide the ball into an empty net to make it 3-0 on the stroke of halftime.
United kept up the tempo in the second period, sealing the victory with a moment of flair in the 68th minute. Fernandes clipped a clever free-kick over the wall to substitute Joshua Zirkzee, who backheeled the ball towards the goal-line for Lisandro Martínez to tap home his first European goal for Manchester United. The result hands Carrick’s side three valuable points and a healthy goal difference to start Matchday 1 at the top of the European table.