Manchester United marked their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence with a commanding victory over Azerbaijani debutants Sabah at Old Trafford.
The fixture carried a remarkable backstory. Sabah's presence in Europe's premier club competition represents one of football's most unlikely fairy tales. The club was founded less than ten years ago and shocked Azerbaijani football by clinching the league title last season, a stunning achievement considering they had finished 41 points adrift of the leaders in 2024-25. Manager Valdas Dambrauskas deserves immense credit for the transformation since taking charge last summer.
For United, the occasion held different significance. The Red Devils desperately needed a morale boost following their frustrating late collapse against Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, where they surrendered two points in the dying moments. With the Manchester derby looming this weekend against City, the timing of a European return could not have been better.
The hosts delivered the response their supporters craved, though the performance took time to ignite. United's first-half display began cautiously before building momentum and eventually bursting into life. Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko emerged as the standout performer, scoring twice to lead the rout.
While Sabah's European debut ended in defeat, their journey to this stage remains an inspiring achievement. Dambrauskas has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, guiding an obscure club to heights previously unimaginable.
For United, this victory provides the perfect tonic ahead of Sunday's crucial derby clash. The emphatic win will restore confidence and offer a welcome distraction from recent domestic disappointments as they prepare for their biggest match of the season so far.
