Man United vs Sabah: Nwachukwu makes history, but Red Devils take the three points

Premier League giants Manchester United returned to the Champions League in style with a comfortable 4-0 win over newcomers Sabah.

Nigerian forward Christian Nwachukwu made history with Sabah, who became the first side to field an XI of 11 different nationalities on their Champions League debut, but were no match for the big boys as Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko, and Lisandro Martinez netted to give the Red Devils an easy win.

Manchester United marked their return to the UEFA Champions League with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Azerbaijani side Sabah at Old Trafford.

Sabah held firm for the opening 25 minutes, but their resistance ended when Kaheem Parris cheaply surrendered possession. Patrick Dorgu immediately punished the mistake, delivering a cross for an unmarked Matheus Cunha to calmly open the scoring.

The visitors had a chance to respond when Joy-Lance Mickels headed wide from close range, but United quickly took control. Bruno Fernandes doubled the advantage late in the first half, sweeping home Youri Tielemans’ cutback before Benjamin Šeško made it 3-0 three minutes later after rounding the goalkeeper.

With the result effectively settled before half-time and a Manchester derby approaching, United managed the second period without exerting themselves excessively. Sabah rarely threatened, while Michael Carrick’s side focused on controlling the game and conserving energy.

United eventually added a fourth when Lisandro Martínez tapped into an empty net after Sabah goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov and two defenders failed to clear the danger.

The victory extended English clubs’ unbeaten competitive record against Azerbaijani opposition to 12 matches. For Sabah, who reached the Champions League nine years after their formation, attention now turns to a more attainable opportunity against Slavia Prague next month.