Manchester United ended their near three-year exile from the Champions League in style with a 4-0 win against Sabah at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick chalked up his first win in the competition as full-time United boss, with goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez.
United take control before the break
The Red Devils took the lead midway through the first half as Matheus Cunha converted from Patrick Dorgu's cross. Sabah went close to equalising soon after as Joy-Lance Mickels nodded wide from close range.
But the home side took full control before the break with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko. Carrick opted for changes during the second-half, with the Manchester derby on the horizon this weekend.
There was still time for Lisandro Martinez to round off the rout.
Dorgu proves a point at left back
After Man United's issues at left back, boss Michael Carrick was forced into some thinking against Sabah. The solution he stumbled upon was deploying Dorgu in the position.
There were a few uncomfortable moments, notably a handball that went unpunished in the first half. But he performed well all things considered. As always, his attacking pedigree was his strongest asset, the Dane being on hand to play a perfect pass to Cunha for the Red Devils' opener.
Dorgu eventually came off for Harry Amass, who was handed a brief cameo by Carrick.
Cunha responds to axe and Fernandes on fire
Brazilian forward Cunha was arguably one of the most experienced from a Champions League perspective. Ahead of the clash with Sabah, he had made 12 appearances in the competition, albeit the one thing that was missing was a goal. His first goal came on his 13th outing as he converted from Dorgu's low cross.
It was a relatively simple finish but one that will be a relief for the forward. He will also feel as though he has responded in the best possible way to Carlo Ancelotti's decision to leave him out of his most recent Brazil squad.
After a hat-trick on his last appearances at Old Trafford vs Ipswich, Fernandes was at it again against Sabah. Each of Dorgu, Cunha and Youri Tielemans got on the ball, with the Belgian playing a lovely ball to Fernandes, who finished first time with his right foot.
He now has four goals in as many games this season, as well as an assist.
Sesko in the goals again and messy from Sabah
After seeing the joy of a late winner against Everton stripped away from him last time out, Sesko was keen to get on the scoresheet once again - particularly after being named in the starting line-up for the first time this season. He did just that after getting on the end of a brilliant pass from Mbeumo, skipping around the goalkeeper and finishing into an empty net.
His build-up play and passing still need work but after just 12 goals last season, the Slovenian forward will be happy with his hot start to this campaign.
Joshua Zirkzee has not had the best of times since joining Manchester United. The Dutchman appeared to be on the way out of Old Trafford in January. After being introduced as a substitute against Sabah, he attempted to score with an audacious backheel. His effort was deflected away but bounced off of the defender and the goalkeeper, before falling at the feet of Martinez, who lashed home. It was an extremely bizarre and messy goal but Martinez will not care, while Zirkzee looked away in slight disgust that he didn't find the net.
