Manchester United's return to the Champions League for the first time since 2023 was a perfect one, as they thrashed Azerbaijani side Sabah FK 4-0 to get their campaign up and running.
Goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Šeško and Lisandro Martínez gave United the win as Sabah made their debut in the competition.
By the third goal, which came just before half time, United were in total control and it remained that way for the rest of the match.
Winning by such a large margin should instill some confidence in the Red Devils ahead of this weekend's derby with local rivals Manchester City in the Premier League -- even if it did come against minnows.
Here's how ESPN rated United's Champions League return.
Manager rating (out of 10)
Michael Carrick, 9 -- Despite facing a club that has only existed for a decade, Carrick took no chances and played an incredibly strong starting XI which included club captain Fernandes, Youri Tielemans, Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens.
It paid off as United recorded a thumping victory and avoided any kind of embarrassing result on their first match of this Champions League campaign. Carrick made smart substitutions as he gave minutes to Joshua Zirkzee -- who is keen to impress given his lack of playing time for the club recently -- and Andrey Santos, meaning that the likes of Sesko and Kobbie Mainoo didn't have to play the full 90 minutes ahead of a major clash with City on Sunday.
Mason Mount also got some much-needed minutes in his legs.
Overall, it was a pretty perfect evening for Carrick as they managed to avoid injuries to key players and sealed the win.
Player ratings (1-10, 10 = best, 5 = average)
GK Senne Lammens, 8 -- Kept a clean sheet, albeit against a side that were making their debut in the competition and that not many people expected much from. Positive for the Belgian to avoid conceding after the disappointing, dramatic draw against Everton.
RB Noussair Mazraoui, 8 -- Defended well but wasn't up against a particularly challenging attack. Didn't have a lot to do but was part of the defence that kept a clean sheet.
CB Leny Yoro, 9 -- The 20-year-old was assured at the back, as Carrick opted for the young man over the stalwart Harry Maguire. Stayed calm and showed maturity under the lights at Old Trafford.
CB Lisandro Martínez, 10 -- Kept a clean sheet AND scored his first goal at Old Trafford! It was a perfect night for the Argentine, who has so often suffered injury setbacks in his career at United. He was confident at the back.
LB Patrick Dorgu, 9 -- Tonight marked Dorgu's first time starting at left-back for Carrick. He played as a left-winger in all his previous games under Carrick last season. He did very well in Luke Shaw's place against Sabah, bagged an assist for Cunha's goal and may help solve United's lack of depth in the position going forward.
CM Youri Tielemans, 9 -- The Belgian provided a stunning assist for United's second goal, with a beautiful swivel pass for Fernandes -- who then finished from close range. Tieleman's turn was excellent and he is proving a shrewd summer transfer for United.
CM Kobbie Mainoo, 10 -- Didn't put a foot wrong against Sabah. Mainoo is growing into a very assured midfielder and has the opportunity this season to show Thomas Tuchel that he should perhaps be featuring more for England as they prepare for Euro 2028. Came off for Andrey Santos.
CM Bruno Fernandes, 9 -- United's captain fantastic. Another goal for the magnificent Portuguese -- who is in brilliant goalscoring form for United this season. That's four goals from four games so far for the midfield maestro. He is beloved at Old Trafford and it's not hard to see why.
RW Bryan Mbeumo, 7 -- Didn't get a goal tonight and came off in the 72nd minute for the youngster Shea Lacey. Perhaps a slightly disappointing evening for the Cameroonian who scored such a lovely solo goal against Everton last weekend.
ST Benjamin Šeško, 8 -- The Slovenian rounded the Sabah goalkeeper to slot the ball into an empty net just before half time and put United 3-0 up in the process. That's two goals in his last two games for the towering striker.
LW Matheus Cunha, 7 -- Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute after Dorgu squared it for him. Good finish and that marks the Brazilian's first goal of the season.
Substitutes (Players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)
Mason Mount (On 46 for Youri Tielemans), 7 -- Came on with United already 2-0 up and in full control. He was tidy and it was important for him to get some more minutes in the legs following an injury layoff.
Andrey Santos (On 64 for Mainoo), 6 -- One of United's summer signings designed to transform the midfield, he didn't have too much to do but did replace a brilliant Mainoo and did it well. Helped United to cruise to victory.
Joshua Zirkzee (On 64 for Sesko), 5 -- Really could've done with a goal as he struggles for minutes at United but didn't get it. Got a shot off but fired it straight at the Sabah 'keeper.
Harry Amass (On 72 for Dorgu), NR
Shea Lacey (On 72 for Mbeumo), NR
