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Player Ratings: Manchester United 4-0 Sabah FK
Manchester United marked their return to the UEFA Champions League in outstanding fashion, easing past Azerbaijan side Sabah FK in a fine attacking display.
United started the match with plenty of possession, and they eventually got the breakthrough midway through the first half, when the ball was won in midfield, and Patrick Dorgu crossed towards Matheus Cunha at the near post, with the Brazilian making no mistake from close range.
Michael Carrick's side got two quickfire goals right before the break, completely killing the game off. Some lovely build-up play saw Bruno Fernandes getting on the end of a Youri Tielemans pass, while the third goal saw Bryan Mbeumo free up Benjamin Sesko, who rounded the goalkeeper before tucking it into the empty net.
Much of the second half was played at walking pace, but United did add another to their tally, as a lobbed free-kick was backheeled by Joshua Zirkzee, with Lisandro Martinez smashing it in from close range.
United controlled the rest of the match, with a number of players getting valuable minutes, especially ahead of Sunday's Manchester Derby.
Here are the player ratings after our first Champions League match in three years.
Senne Lammens 6
Did not have much to do throughout the whole game, yet he handled everything without anything to worry about. Comfortable.
Noussair Mazraoui 7
One of United's most involved players throughout the match. He was linking up very well with Mbeumo and often found himself in very advanced positions. Tidy on and off the ball for United.
Leny Yoro 8
Made a couple of strong tackles and interceptions, looking comfortable throughout the whole game. Yoro won a fair share of headers and helped drive the ball forward when needed. A strong display from the young defender at the heart of the defence.
Lisandro Martinez 8
Like Yoro, Martinez was very comfortable over the course of the game. The Argentine made some excellent tackles, including one brilliant recovery tackle in the first half. His passing range is proving vital to how the team plays against teams who sit deep. Smashed in his first Old Trafford goal.
Patrick Dorgu 7
He was beaten a couple of times down the left, after being given his first start at left-back in several months. However, he was a big threat going forward, constantly creating chances for the United forwards. Provided the assist for Cunha's goal.
Kobbie Mainoo 8
Controlled the whole game. Showcased his passing range which is constantly improving, while also providing some cutting-edge passes in tight spaces, at one point freeing Fernandes. The cog in United's midfield.
Youri Tielemans 7
An unfussed and classy performance from the Belgian. Tielemans was constantly involved in United's play, showcasing his passing range and elegance on the ball before being substituted at the break, probably to get some rest ahead of the Manchester Derby.
Bryan Mbeumo 7
Lively from the right, constantly driving forward and creating issues to Sabah's defence. Provided an excellent pass for the third goal.
Bruno Fernandes 7
United's main creative force like usual. Took his goal very well and was always looking for his teammates on other occasions. Led the team well and helped them manage the pace of the play. Composed.
Matheus Cunha 7
The Brazilianw as constantly roaming, allowing Dorgu to push forward down the outside. Looked more like his usual self than he has done in recent weeks, probably because he is more comfortable down the left. Made a darting run to get on to the Dorgu cross for the opener.
Benjamin Sesko 7
Still looks relatively sluggish at times, but he always wanted to get on the ball and move it forward. Calm and composed when faced with the goalkeeper, before tucking it into the net for his goal.
Substitutes
Mason Mount 6
A solid return for the Englishman, being comfortable on the ball in his first appearance of the campaign.
Andrey Santos 6
Did not have much defensive work to do, but he linked up play well going forward.
Joshua Zirkzee 7
Very lively after coming on for Sesko. Showed some tidy skills and also linked up play very well. Came close to scoring.
Harry Amass 6
Solid from the young left-back who got more minutes in the tank.
Shea Lacey 6
Did not have much of a chance to make things happen, but he always tried to push forward when he could.
Head Coach - Michael Carrick 7
This was a strange game for Michael Carrick, knowing that it could end up being a banana skin. However, he rotated parts of the team and it worked wonders, with the game plan being executed perfectly. United blew Sabah away and all parts of the team worked well, showing their superior quality. The fact that United killed the game off so early is a credit to Carrick, allowing him to bring on several players who need minutes, including youngsters in Amass and Lacey. A very positive result heading into a huge weekend.
