MANCHESTER UNITED cruised to a 4-0 romp over Sabah in their first Champions League clash of the season.
Michael Carrick‘s team were dominant throughout and went three goals up before half time through Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko.
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Lisandro Martinez then made it four in the second half to give United a comfortable evening and a thumping start back in Europe.
SunSport’s Samuel Luckhurst gave his verdict on the players at Old Trafford.
Senne Lammens – 6
Had next to nothing to do but Joy-Lance Mickels ought to have forced him into a save with a free header at 1-0.
A much-needed calm night between the sticks for Lammens after his poorest performance for United at Everton.
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Noussair Mazraoui – 6
Did not do enough to dislodge the dubious Diogo Dalot for Sunday’s derby.
Signs of ring-rust still evident after the World Cup and Mazraoui remains lacking in the final third, where Bryan Mbeumo was without a foil.
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Leny Yoro – 7
Made his first start of the season and attempted to impose himself early on.
Mickels’ chance highlighted how gettable United are, however many changes they make to their defence and Yoro will be back on the bench against City.
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Lisandro Martinez – 7
The only defender not given a breather after the draw with Everton, Martinez offered continuity and remained calm amid the odd charge from Kaheem Parris.
Scored on the rebound and, like Lammens, Martinez should benefit from a largely stress-free evening.
Patrick Dorgu – 6
Started at left back for the first time under Carrick. For someone signed on the strength of his form at left back for Lecce, the role looked alien to him.
Made clumsy errors and looked to have lost confidence before he rallied to cross for Matheus Cunha’s opening goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
United’s best player for the second game running at Old Trafford. Played a defence-splitting lob that Bruno Fernandes wasted when he failed to find Benjamin Sesko.
Mainoo was authoritative and consistent from start to finish.
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Youri Tielemans – 7
Earned himself a second-half breather after showing good awareness to tee up Bruno Fernandes to make it 2-0.
This was Tielemans’ most creative performance, which is the least he should offer against Champions League newbies.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6
Not on the scoresheet this time but heavily involved in United’s countless attacks.
Probed regularly with his runs into the penalty area before he made way in the second half.
Matheus Cunha – 7
Cunha was back on the wing and back on the scoresheet with his first goal of the season on the day he was dropped from the Brazil squad. Came close to a second with a low strike.
On this evidence, if Carrick opts for the strikerless side against City, then they would better be served with Cunha operating off the left.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Should have assisted Benjamin Sesko before he steered in United’s second goal to all but kill the contest.
Fernandes was never going to sit out United’s return to the Champions League and Brighton in the League Cup next week may be the time to rest him.
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Benjamin Sesko – 7
Urgent on his first start since May 3 and would have had a tap-in if Fernandes had angled his square pass more accurately.
Plugged away and scored coolly just before half-time to make it two goals in two games. Has to start at weekends sooner, rather than later.
Subs
Mason Mount – 6
Made his first appearance in over a month as a second-half substitute.
Occupied a central midfield role – where he is bound to play more often when fit – to hone his match fitness.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
His flick was kept out but converted by Martinez on the rebound.
Andrey Santos – 6
Got a run-out.
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Shea Lacey – 6
Made his European debut.
Harry Amass – 6
Came on for first United appearance since May 2025.