Champions League Result: Manchester United thrashed Sabah 4-0 ahead of the Manchester Derby.

indonesiatravelsport.com - Manchester United marked their return to the Champions League with a convincing victory. Playing at Old Trafford, the Red Devils crushed Sabah 4-0 on the first matchday of the 2026/27 Champions League league phase, early Friday morning 10 September WIB.  

All four of Manchester United's goals were scored by Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko, and Lisandro Martinez. Each player found the back of the net in turn to secure three full points for the side, while also keeping a clean sheet.

For Manchester United, this match also signalled their official return to the Champions League, after last competing in Europe's elite club competition during the 2023/24 season.

Michael Carrick did not field his full strongest starting line-up from kickoff. Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu, Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko were named in the starting XI. 

Meanwhile Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford, Diogo Dalot, Mason Mount, and Joshua Zirkzee began the fixture on the substitutes bench.

Despite making rotations, Manchester United took immediate control of the game. Sabah put up initial resistance, but the home side's superior quality ultimately decided the final result.

United's opening goal came in the 27th minute. After a build-up error from Sabah, the ball fell to Patrick Dorgu. The Danish full-back delivered a first-time cross towards the near post.

Matheus Cunha had already read the ball's trajectory. Before goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov could react, the Brazilian forward met Dorgu's cross to fire home and open the scoring at 1-0.

This strike also marked Matheus Cunha's first ever Champions League goal. 

Manchester United did not ease their attacking pressure. Their dominance paid off again in the 42nd minute, when Bruno Fernandes doubled their lead.

The move started with Matheus Cunha laying the ball off to Youri Tielemans. The Belgian midfielder then played a pass through to Bruno Fernandes, who finished with a precise placed shot into the corner of Sabah's goal.

Just minutes later, United broke through Sabah's defence once more. Bryan Mbeumo played a through ball behind the opposition backline for the onrushing Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko rounded Pokatilov before slotting calmly into the unguarded net.

Manchester United headed into the half-time break holding a comfortable 3-0 lead. 

Entering the second half, Carrick made personnel changes. Mason Mount was introduced at the interval, while Joshua Zirkzee and Andrey Santos were brought on in the 64th minute.

In the 68th minute, Bruno Fernandes delivered a cross into the Sabah penalty area. Joshua Zirkzee attempted a backheel finish, only for the ball to drop perfectly for Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentine defender made no mistake from close range to make the score 4-0. This goal capped off Manchester United's dominant display at Old Trafford.

Sabah pushed for a late consolation goal. Joy-Lance Mickels created a clear goalscoring chance, but failed to convert. Manchester United maintained their clean sheet until the final whistle, confirming a 4-0 victory for the Red Devils.

This result gives Manchester United the perfect start to their Champions League campaign. As well as collecting all three points, Carrick was able to manage the fitness of key players ahead of the Manchester Derby against Manchester City on Sunday 13 September.

Match Lineups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Senne Lammens; Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu; Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha; Benjamin Sesko.

Sabah (4-2-3-1): Stas Pokatilov; Tymoteusz Puchacz, Aden McCarthy, Rahman Dasdamirov, Akim Zedadka; Ivan Lepinjica, Umarali Rakhmonaliev; Christian Nwachukwu, Veljko Simic, Kaheem Parris; Joy-Lance Mickels.