Man United started their Champions League 2026-2027 journey with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sabah, the team that first entered the most prestigious club-level European playground.
Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez scored in turn, helping the Old Trafford team win all 3 points. Besides the effectiveness in attack, keeping a clean sheet also brought satisfaction to coach Michael Carrick.
It's great to keep a clean sheet and clearly win. Some of our attacks are great. We are dangerous in transition situations and for most of the time defended well. The result seems quite easy, but the reality is not that simple," Carrick shared after the match.
Kobbie Mainoo is one of the most notable bright spots of Man United. The English midfielder played confidently, controlled the midfield area well and contributed to helping his team maintain a dominant game.
Carrick praised his student: "Mainoo is a great player, that's quite clear. He has a huge influence on our playing style and it's really a joy to have him in the team.
Mainoo made 81 successful passes in this match. According to Opta statistics, this is the most successful pass count of an English player wearing a Man United shirt in a Champions League match since Carrick had 89 successful passes against Olympiakos in February 2014.
Mainoo's performance also helped Manchester United regain confidence after the disappointing 2-2 draw against Everton in the Premier League on September 6.
Carrick believes the team still maintains confidence even though the result against Everton has a significant impact. "It's always great to win. Sunday will be another big match," he said.
After a favorable start in the Champions League, Manchester United will quickly focus back on the Premier League. Carrick's team will face Man City in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford at 10:30 PM on September 13.
The victory over Sabah gives Man United more confidence before the predicted difficult confrontation with Man City.
