Old Trafford roars — United back in the Champions League
Manchester United returned to the Champions League after several years away and marked the occasion in style. Old Trafford was packed to the rafters, the atmosphere recalling the club's glory nights in Europe, and the new-look United — featuring Sesko, Mbeumo, Fernandes and Mainoo — showed ambition from the first minute.
Sabah Masazir from Azerbaijan, making their league phase debut, were outclassed by one of the world's biggest clubs. United had 55% possession and 9 shots on target. In the 27th minute Benjamin Sesko opened the scoring after a Bruno Fernandes pass — the Slovenian striker finished calmly from 14 metres. In the 42nd minute Sesko struck again after a Matheus Cunha run — 2:0. Right on the stroke of half-time in the 45th minute, Mbeumo finished off a slick United move to make it 3:0.
Sesko completes his hat-trick — Old Trafford celebrates
After the break United controlled the match. Sabah had 10 shots — but only 1 on target, saved by Lammens. In the 68th minute Sesko completed his hat-trick after an Andrey Santos assist — 4:0, Old Trafford in full voice. Sabah's final statistics told the whole story: 45% possession but just 1 shot on target from 10 attempts. United were a class apart.
The United squad was impressive: Mazraoui, Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Dorgu in defence; Tielemans and Mainoo in midfield; Mbeumo, Fernandes and Cunha behind Sesko. This is a side that can seriously push for a place in the knockout rounds. In Matchday 2 (13 October) United travel to the Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid.