Manchester United marked their Champions League return with three points and a clean sheet in a 4-0 victory against Sabah FK.
Michael Carrick was eager to lay the foundations for a promising campaign, and refused to dismiss his opposition, regardless of stature.
But a spread of finishes from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez eased any lingering concerns after a patchy Premier League period.
The Reds will face a tougher task against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano in gameweek two, that goes without saying.
Nonetheless, the United faithful couldn’t have asked for much more on an evening when the world’s media were praying for an almighty upset.
Say what you will about Old Trafford and the endless criticisms of its dated structure, but few grounds can match its aura on a Champions League evening.
Almost three years had passed since this opportunity came knocking at M16, and United were anticipated to deliver a performance befitting the occasion against their Azerbaijani guests.
Furthermore, after the academy prospects dismantled Sabah 5-0 in the UEFA Youth League earlier in the day, the Stretford End expected a similar showing from its senior stars.
Carrick may have one eye on Sunday’s Manchester derby, but he respected his guests, selecting a strong starting XI including Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans at its heart.
With sceptics building following a disappointing draw against Everton, the 45-year-old was adamant his side would dictate their Champions League intentions from the opening whistle.
Still, any assumptions that the occasion would get the better of the visitors were quickly forgotten as they positioned themsleves in an attacking shape with an admirable early press.
United’s grade quickly surfaced, though, and well-worked opportunities through Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo kept Stas Pokatilov on his toes as the home side stepped up a gear.
The breakthrough eventually came midway through the half after Cunha gleefully tapped home his first goal in the competition following an inch-perfect delivery from Patrick Dorgu.
To their credit, Sabah retained their attacking intent and showed little desire to fold in the face of adversity, and even threatened with a back-post header through Joy-Lance Mickels.
But their efforts routinely led to pockets of space as fatigue set in. United notched two more goals in three minutes at the end of the half, with Fernandes and Sesko adding to their early-season exploits.
Mason Mount replaced Tielemans at the interval for his first appearance of the season after an impressive summer tour. His fitness could play a pivotal role as fixture congestion becomes an avoidable issue.
Having all but secured the points in the opening half, Carrick’s men were content to retain possession during the early exchanges, testing Pokatilov from distance with several well-worked efforts.
Truthfully, United coasted for 20 minutes in second gear and impressed with some intricate interplay along the way, much to the delight of a partisan crowd.
Martinez added his side’s fourth with a simple tap-in after Joshua Zirkzee’s devilish backheel created pandemonium in the six-yard box.
Old Trafford stood to applaud the introduction of Harry Amass and Shea Lacey shortly afterwards, as attention began turning to Sunday’s meeting with City with 20 minutes to play.
Momentum is a wonderful thing in football, and the benefits of this European evening could supply the necessary jolt at Carrington.
Crucially, having conceded six in three domestic outings, Senne Lammens earned a welcome clean sheet to kickstart his Champions League journey with another competent display.
What are your thoughts after United’s triumphant Champions League return? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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