Manchester United beat Sabah 4-0 in Champions League return at Old Trafford

Return to European competition

Manchester United ended a 1,003-day absence from the Champions League on Thursday with a 4-0 league-phase victory over Azerbaijani debutants Sabah at Old Trafford. The match marked United's 300th fixture in European Cup history, making them the first English club to reach that milestone. United had last competed in the competition during the 2023-24 season under Erik ten Hag, when they finished bottom of their group with four points. Sabah arrived in Manchester nine years after the club was founded, having won the Azerbaijani championship under manager Valdas Dambrauskas following a 2024-25 domestic campaign in which they finished 41 points adrift of first place.

First-half scoring sequence

Manager Michael Carrick selected a strong starting lineup, handing striker Benjamin Sesko his first start of the season following recovery from a shin injury sustained four months earlier against Liverpool. United broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Patrick Dorgu, deployed at left-back for the first time under Carrick, sent a low cross into the box for Matheus Cunha to tap past goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov for his first goal of the season. Sabah missed an immediate chance to equalize when Kaheem Parris crossed for Joy-Lance Mickels, who directed an open header wide. Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead in the 42nd minute by finishing a move created by Youri Tielemans. On the stroke of half-time, Sesko ran onto Bryan Mbeumo's through ball, rounded Pokatilov, and slotted home from a tight angle to bring his tally to two goals in 117 minutes this season.

Squad rotation and closing stages

United maintained control throughout the second half and secured a fourth goal when Lisandro Martínez tapped the ball across the goal line from one yard out following a corner scramble. The margin allowed Carrick to manage player minutes ahead of Sunday's Premier League derby against Manchester City, who hold two extra days of rest. Carrick made five substitutions with over 20 minutes remaining, withdrawing Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo, Sesko, Mbeumo, and Dorgu. Mason Mount made his first appearance of the season, while Andrey Santos, Harry Amass, and Shea Lacey also came on. Luke Shaw was rested completely, with Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford, and Diogo Dalot remaining on the bench.

Financial and tournament context

The 4-0 scoreline was United's largest Champions League win since a 5-0 victory against RB Leipzig in 2020. The return to continental football provides substantial commercial revenue after two seasons outside Europe's elite competition. Each league-phase victory earns United £1.8 million ($2.4 million) in UEFA prize money. Estimates place the club's minimum Champions League earnings for the season at £45 million, rising up to £129 million if they win the tournament. The tournament return also resolves commercial penalty clauses, after a £10 million reduction had been applied to the club's Adidas sponsorship during their European absence.

Per win prize1.8

Minimum projected total45

Maximum potential total129

Per win prize

1.8 £M

Minimum projected total

45 £M

Maximum potential total

129 £M

Data from the article text