Manchester United began their Champions League campaign in style as they thrashed Sabah FK 4-0 at Old Trafford on Thursday.
The visitors started gamely, but three goals in the first half meant their shoulders dropped and United saw off the game with ease.
After a difficult start to their Premier League campaign, Michael Carrick will be pleased with the nature of the victory and the performance of certain players ahead of the all-important Manchester derby at the weekend.
Benjamin Sesko ended up missing the club’s entire pre-season, and as a result, he has had a slow start to the season.
Sesko, Cunha, Martinez all scored vs Sabah
His goal against the Azerbaijani side means he now has back-to-back goals and a first start under his belt, which should do his confidence a world of good.
Matheus Cunha’s form has been patchy to say the least and he has been substituted every time the 20-time English league champions have taken to the field.
But on Thursday, the Brazilian not only opened the scoring, but he also lasted the full 90 minutes as well.
Bruno Fernandes got his customary goal, while the fourth came from an unlikely source — Lisandro Martinez.
Carrick will be pleased with many aspects ahead of the Manchester derby
The Argentine has struggled since returning from World Cup duty, committing errors against AC Milan in pre-season, and against Ipswich Town a couple of weeks ago.
He was imperious against Sabah, and with a goal under his belt as well, Carrick will be hopeful that the World Cup winner can produce his best form against the Cityzens.
Add Mason Mount’s return to action after his injury and Joshua Zirkzee’s encouraging cameo, and the head coach will have plenty to be happy about.
With Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Marcus Rashford also getting rest, the Red Devils should have a full-strength squad to choose from for the derby.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
