Michael Carrick’s men dominated their European return at Old Trafford, crushing the visitors as standout performances from Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro fueled a commanding four-goal victory.
Michael Carrick made four changes to his starting XI as Manchester United returned to the Champions League by thumping Sabah FK 4-0 at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
United started the fixture having to fend off some good ball playing from the visitors, but after 26 minutes they finally found their breakthrough, with a quality cross from Patrick Dorgu finding Matheus Cunha at the near post.
Following the goal, United gained proper control of the tie, and around 15 minutes later, Bruno Fernandes added a second following a lovely move involving Dorgu, Cunha, and Youri Tielemans.
Then, Benjamin Šeško was fed through by Bryan Mbeumo for a third before half-time, putting United in firm control in the Champions League.
In the second half, after a few changes, United grabbed their fourth as Lisandro Martínez fired home from point-blank range. A fairly uneventful final 20 minutes saw United cruise to a chilled victory, securing a 4-0 win on their return to Europe's biggest stage.
United player ratings vs Sabah
Senne Lammens – 7/10
Barely had to do anything apart from a few easy saves. Good with his feet and great to get a clean sheet.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6/10
Plenty of attacking intent but some wayward decision making with his final balls.
Leny Yoro – 8/10
Stepping in for Harry Maguire, Yoro looked composed and eager to get the ball forward. Great performance.
Lisandro Martínez – 8/10
Brilliant game from the centre-back. Great on the ball, did well in the air, and secured a well-earned goal.
Patrick Dorgu – 7/10
Started at left-back under Carrick for the first time, he had a dodgy few moments but create a fantastic cross for Cunha's goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8/10
Running the game in the middle of the park effortlessly, another world-class display from the midfielder.
Youri Tielemans – 8/10
Really coming into his own in Red, made some great passes and tackles both ends of the pitch. Fantastic case for Fernandes. Came off at half-time to preserve energy for Sunday.
Bruno Fernandes – 7/10
Not having a major impact but a brilliant goal. Had fun tonight.
Bryan Mbeumo – 8/10
Looked very bright on the ball, great assist for Šeško's goal, good to see his form returning.
Benjamin Šeško – 7/10
Looking to get involved and a clear presence up front, well-taken finish for United's third. Might start on the weekend.
Matheus Cunha – 6.5/10
Well-taken goal, looked more comfortable back on the left, Still a couple of errors to be ironed out.
Substitutes
Mason Mount – 6/10
Coming on at half-time for his first competitive minutes of the season, played a deeper role and got some good passes under his belt.
Andrey Santos – 6/10
Was pretty good in the middle of the park, held it down.
Joshua Zirkzee – 7/10
Good ingenuity to backheel the ball just before Martínez's goal, will be hoping for more minutes this season.
Shea Lacey – 6/10
Not too involved, but good to see him get senior minutes. More to come.
Harry Amass – 7/10
Was strong during some nervy physical moments that could easily have gone badly.
