Manchester United make Champions League return in style with 4-0 victory

The result ended United's two-year absence from Europe's elite competition in convincing fashion, with Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez all finding the net.

Sabah, appearing in the Champions League proper for the first time just nine years after the club was founded, held their own for the opening 25 minutes before a costly mistake opened the door for United.

Kaheem Parris lost possession cheaply and United quickly punished the error. Patrick Dorgu delivered a cross into the area, where Cunha had been left unmarked and calmly finished to put the hosts ahead.

Sabah had a chance to respond when Joy-Lance Mickels headed wide from close range, but United soon took complete control.

Fernandes doubled the advantage shortly before half-time, sweeping a cutback from Youri Tielemans into the net.

Just three minutes later, Sesko made it 3-0. The striker took advantage of a defensive opening, rounded goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov and tapped the ball into an empty net.

The goal was particularly pleasing for Sesko, who was making his first start of the season after missing United's entire pre-season with an injury.

The 23-year-old said the result was the ideal way for United to begin their Champions League campaign.

"I think it was perfect for everyone, especially our fans. It means a lot to them, especially when they see so many goals," Sesko told TNT Sports.

"I think it was great for us in general to give us more motivation for the upcoming games."

Sesko was also pleased with his first goal of the season.

"I saw him rushing out, and it was a great opportunity to take the ball away from him to make the goal a little bit easier," he said. "Of course, I'm happy with my goal."

United took their foot off the accelerator after the break, with the players able to conserve energy with Sunday's Manchester derby in mind.

They eventually added a fourth when Martinez reacted quickest after Sabah failed to clear the danger, tapping into an open net.

The victory gave Michael Carrick's side a perfect start to their Champions League campaign, while Sabah will now turn their attention to a more realistic opportunity for points when they face Slavia Prague next month.

For United, the focus quickly shifts to the derby, with Sesko believing the emphatic victory can provide valuable confidence.

"Definitely. I think the confidence boost is definitely big," he said. "It's important to recover good and focus on the derby."

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