Four star reds on European return
Man Utd marked their return to the Champions League by brushing away Sabah Baku at Old Trafford. Two goals prior to the he break broke the resistance of the away side. They were pleased to be able claim a first clean sheet and afford key players a rest for the weekend.
It was a tough experience for the visitors though. They looked compact before the concession of the second goal. Unfortunately they were unable to claim a goal to reward the travelling fans.
Michael Carrick elected to make a number of changes from the side who drew at Everton. Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were all rested for Sunday while Marcus Rashford was on the bench. In came Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko. Harry Amass was on the bench for the first time this season.
Sabah were appearing at this level for the very first time. They begun their campaign back in July having overcome The New Saints, KuPS, AGF and Hapoel Be’er Sheva along the way.
The home side were looking neat in possession and almost went ahead after ten minutes. Both Bruno Fernandes and Noussair Mazraoui were involved in the move that eventually led to Matheus Cunha out on the right. His effort from a tight angle was saved by Stas Pokatilov.
Most of the attacks were coming down the left via Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo. Too often the moves broke down due to an poor final pass though. Sabah were well organised and getting blocks in when needed also.
That all changed on 26 minutes though. The visitors were on the attack in midfield when Kaheem Paris coughed up possession. Benjamin Sesko and Fernandes combined to spread out wide to Dorgu. His low cross was stabbed home at the near post by Cunha. It was the Brazilian’s first Champions League goal.
It would have been easy for them to have folded, but they almost drew level ten minutes later. Paris got space from Dorgu before planting a cross towards Joy Lance-Mickels at the back post. His header was into the side netting but Senne Lammens appeared have had it covered.
He will have regretted that when Utd doubled their lead on 42 minutes. Neat buildup play with Dorgu and Cunha found Youri Tielemans in the area. He improvised a delightful pass on the spin into the path of Fernandes. The reds captain gave it the finish it deserved.
And just two minutes later it was three. Kobbie Mainoo and Fernandes fed Mbeumo who played the ball through the middle for Sesko to run onto. The Slovenian rounded the outrushing keeper before tapping into the empty net. It was his second goal in two games.
Carrick brought on Mason Mount for Tielemans with an eye towards the weekend. It was Mount’s first appearance since an injury in pre-season.
It was noticeable drop in tempo into the second half. Utd were content to probe without over-exerting themselves. The visitors were game albeit lacking the quality to get back into the match. The best chance of the half came on the hour when Dorgu, Mainoo, Fernandes and Cunha combined for a low effort by the latter. Pokatilov managed to get down to it.
The fourth did arrive eight minutes later. It was one the Azerbaijani backline will not want to see again. Fernandes clipped a free kick over a defensive wall towards Joshua Zirkzee. His attempted back heel should have been dealt with. Instead, Pokatilov and Aden McCarthy got in each others way to allow Lisandro Martinez a simple tap in.
The debutantes did have two chances via Mickels and Orphe Mbina to claim a consolation in the closing stages. Neither were able to hit the target though.
Job done then so on the final whistle. Carrick will not be getting carried away given some tough challenges ahead in the competition. Next up is the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford on Sunday. Shaba also have a derby as they play Baku rivals Shafa.
Manchester United: Senne Lammens, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu (Harry Amass 72), Youri Tielemans (Mason Mount 46), Kobbie Mainoo (Andrey Santos 64), Bryan Mbeumo (Shea Lacey 72), Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko (Joshua Zirkzee 64).
Subs not used: Karl Darlow, Dermot Mee, Marcus Rashford, Ayden Heaven, Tyler Fletcher.
Booked: Patrick Dorgu (61)
Sent Off: None
Sabah Baku: Stas Pokatilov; Akim Zedaka (Erivaldo Almeida 76), Aden McCarthy, Rahman Dashdamirov, Tymoteusz Puchacz; Umarali Rakhmonalev (Abdulakh Kahibulaev 71), Ivan Lepinjica; Kaheem Parris (Aleksey Isaev 63), Veljiko Simic (Du Queiroz 76), Christian Nwachukwu (Orphe Mbina 46); Joy Lance-Mickels
Subs not used: Amin Ramazanov, Ravan Mirzammadov, Rauf Rustamli, Tellur Mutallimov, Rodrigo Fernandes, Cafur Mukhtarov.
Booked: Ivan Lepinjica (67)
Sent Off: None
Referee: Willy Delajod
Attendance: 73,685
Simply Red Man of the Match: Kobbie Mainoo
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