Dublin pubs and Irish United group chats had the Champions League back on Thursday night — and the scoreline travelled well.
Manchester United, under Michael Carrick, opened their UEFA Champions League league phase with a 4–0 win over Sabah FK at Old Trafford on 10 September 2026. The visitors from Azerbaijan were competition debutants; by full time they had been hit by four different United scorers.
How the goals went in
Mid-match colour from Old Trafford painted a one-way European opener once United settled.
Matheus Cunha struck first on 27 minutes — first Champions League goal of his career — finished after Patrick Dorgu’s cross. Bruno Fernandes doubled it around the 42nd minute, Youri Tielemans with the assist, the captain’s finish reported as his fourth of the season. Benjamin Šeško rounded the goalkeeper late in the first half, on the scoresheet for a second game running. Lisandro Martínez made it four around the 68th minute in the second half.
Sabah’s early chance fell to Joy Lance Mickels and went begging. That was as close as the debutants came to spoiling the party.
From the club
Irish reds, European nights
For United’s Dublin and wider Irish support, this was the fixture list they’ve been waiting to see again: league-phase football under the lights, a comfortable home win, and a reminder that Europe is back on the weekly rhythm.
The calendar barely pauses. Sunday 13 September is the Manchester derby — another night when Irish United fans will be tuned in wherever they are.
Love Belfast’s NI-angled wrap of the same European night: Manchester United Hit Sabah for Four on Champions League Return.
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