Manchester United marked their return to the Champions League with a 4-0 victory over FK Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday evening (September 10). The Azerbaijani champions' dream debut quickly turned into a nightmare as the Red Devils took the lead through Matheus Cunha and never looked back.
Late runners prove key
United's dominance was best captured by their second goal, which showcased everything Michael Carrick has been asking for. Youri Tielemans picked up the ball on the halfway line after a loose pass, drove at the defence and flicked the ball into the path of Bruno Fernandes, who played a quick one-two and fired into the net.
This trend of late runners was visible throughout the match, helping to overload a Sabah defence that had packed bodies into the box. Benjamin Sesko netted United's third minutes after the second.
Rebuilt engine room delivers
Manchester City's midfield rebuild had captured the headlines largely due to their free-spending end to the transfer window, but United have also had to rip apart and rebuild their engine room. Tielemans has been at the heart of that rebuild, and his contribution was central to the victory.
Tougher tests ahead
The only criticism that might be thrown at Carrick is that the night was a chance to really boost their goal difference. United scored four goals, but in an eight-game league phase that advantage can quickly vanish come the business end of the phase.
Sabah will be back in the UK before the end of the league phase, with Arsenal as their final game. United now face a tricky trip to the Metropolitano, where Atletico Madrid await.
