Manchester United strike three times before half-time against Sabah in Champions League

Manchester United revived memories of their famous European nights at Old Trafford by scoring three times before half-time against Azerbaijan’s Sabah in the Champions League.

The home supporters had been waiting for a performance of this kind, with United having been absent from the heights of their European past for a prolonged period. They responded with an aggressive start and maintained relentless pressure, giving Sabah little opportunity to settle into the match.

United took the lead in the 26th minute after a flowing move down the left. Patrick Dorgu drove forward before delivering a precise low cross into the penalty area, where Brazil international Matheus Cunha met it with a first-time finish.

The number 10’s strike gave the hosts the reward their early dominance had demanded and set the tone for a one-sided opening period.

United captain Bruno Fernandes doubled the advantage in the 42nd minute, capitalising on a costly mistake from Sabah midfielder Youri Tielemans.

Sabah had been attempting to cope with a rapid counter-attack when Tielemans misplaced a pass in the middle of the pitch. Fernandes collected possession, advanced into a promising position and finished confidently to make it 2-0.

The Portugal international’s goal left United in complete control as the first half reached its closing stages.

Two minutes later, Benjamin Sesko added a third in spectacular fashion. The Slovenia international received the ball after a quick United attack and raced through on goal before rounding the goalkeeper.

Sesko then calmly placed the ball into the unguarded net, despite a Sabah defender’s attempt to clear it from the goal-line. The finish completed a remarkable first half and sent United into the interval with a 3-0 lead.

A replay of the third goal showed Bryan Mbeumo providing the pass for Sesko, who broke clear of the goalkeeper before striking powerfully into the net.

United’s three goals came in an eight-minute spell, with Cunha opening the scoring, Fernandes extending the advantage and Sesko producing the final moment of quality before half-time. The sequence transformed the atmosphere inside Old Trafford and offered the home crowd the kind of European display they had been waiting to see.