Manchester United beat Sabah 4-0 on Champions League return

Manchester United marked their return to the Champions League with a 4-0 victory over Azerbaijan newcomers Sabah at Old Trafford. The Red Devils, back in Europe's top competition after a three-season absence, built a three-goal lead before the interval and wrapped up the win in the second half.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Matheus Cunha slotted in Patrick Dorgu's low cross. Sabah then had a glaring opportunity when Kaheem Parris delivered a cross to Joy-Lance Mickels, whose header was unexpectedly off target. Bruno Fernandes added United's second following a composed passing move, and Benjamin Sesko completed the first-half damage by rounding the goalkeeper and finishing from a tight angle on the stroke of half-time.

The tempo eased after the break but Lisandro Martinez sealed the result by tapping in from close range after a scramble from a corner. Cunha nearly added a second around the hour mark with a curled strike that was comfortably saved, and Fernandes had a similar effort shortly afterwards. Sabah threatened late when Parris fired a low effort across goal, but it did not trouble United's goalkeeper.

Manager Michael Carrick made only three changes from the side that drew 2-2 at Everton on Sunday and used all five substitutions with more than 20 minutes left, rotating as attention turns to Sunday's Manchester derby. Despite the emphatic European win, United's return to the Champions League does not obscure a mixed start domestically: they have taken four points from their first three Premier League matches, a form line that could be exposed against local rivals.