UCL: Sesko stakes Manchester derby claim as Man United cruise past Sabah
Benjamin Sesko strengthened his case for a starting place in Sunday’s Manchester derby after helping Manchester United ease past Sabah FK on their return to the Champions League.
United claimed their biggest Champions League win since 2020 with a comfortable victory at Old Trafford, with Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Sesko all finding the net before half-time.
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Sesko makes his mark on return
The Slovenia international was handed his first start since 3 May and immediately provided United with a sharper presence in attack.
Sesko’s performance could give Michael Carrick a selection decision to make ahead of the visit to Manchester City, particularly with Marcus Rashford left on the bench for the entire game.
Cunha also impressed after getting on the scoresheet, meaning Carrick now has options to consider on the left side of his attack with just three days between the Champions League fixture and the derby.
United had already been under pressure to improve their Premier League start after collecting only four points from their opening three matches.
United make perfect Champions League return
Sabah, the champions of Azerbaijan, had navigated four qualifying rounds to reach the league phase for the first time, but found themselves facing a significant step up in quality at Old Trafford.
Although the visitors created opportunities, United effectively settled the contest before the interval with three goals.
The result also gives Carrick’s side an ideal start to a demanding Champions League campaign. United face away trips to Atletico Madrid, Como and Sporting Lisbon, while Roma and Bayern Munich are among the teams due at Old Trafford.
After more than 1,000 days away from Europe’s elite competition, United needed a positive opening and got exactly that.
They now sit just behind defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona in the early league-phase standings, although their immediate attention will turn to Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Carrick will hope the confidence gained from this win can translate into a much-needed Premier League result against City.