Manchester United made a winning return to the Champions League as they beat Sabah FC in style with a 4-0 victory at Old Trafford. The Azerbaijani side started brightly but Matheus Cunha converted Patrick Dorgu's 27th-minute cross and, although Joy-Lance Mickels should have levelled, two goals late in the first half from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko put United in total control. Michael Carrick made changes in the second half with the points secure but there was still time for Lisandro Martinez to smash home from close range after some flashy play from Joshua Zirkzee, who produced an eye-catching cameo.
Signs of that United swagger. With goal difference a potentially significant factor in the league phase of this Champions League format, this was a fine night's work on their return. It is Atletico Madrid away next in Europe but there are bigger matters to attend to before that.
It is over 1000 days since United competed in a Champions League game but this, their 300th in Europe's premier club competition, was not too taxing for Carrick's men. It will be tougher against rivals Manchester City on Sunday - but so will his team selection. Some of the calls are obvious.
Fernandes starred again and the sight of him combining with the equally intelligent Youri Tielemans for United's second was encouraging. The Belgian produced perhaps his best 45 minutes at Old Trafford. But others pressed their case too.
Sesko scored after coming off the bench against Everton and looked sharp here in his first start of the season. With Marcus Rashford also available, and Cunha getting a confidence-boosting goal, there are some interesting decisions ahead for the United boss. Dorgu enjoyed himself at left-back with Luke Shaw missing from the squad but he was able to play as a de facto winger given United's superiority.
It will be more challenging against City's attack but Carrick and his players go into that with confidence restored. 27 - GOAL! Cunha converts Dorgu's cross at the near post 36 - SITTER! Mickels nods wide from inside the six-yard box 42 - GOAL!
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