Man United return with a bang as Como makes his Champions League debut

Manchester United marked their return to the UEFA Champions League with a convincing 4-0 win over Sabah FC at Old Trafford, while Como announced themselves on the European stage with a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig. Bayern Munich also started their campaign in style as they cruised past Bodo/Glimt.

United waited more than 1,000 days to hear the Champions League anthem again, but there was little rust on Michael Carrick’s side as they raced into a three-goal lead before half-time. Como, meanwhile, produced one of the biggest statements of the night by beating Leipzig in his first ever European appearance.

Bayern had to work harder than the scoreline suggested during a stubborn first half, but Jamal Musiala’s early second-half goal opened the floodgates. Harry Kane, Alphonso Davies and Michael Olise then completed a comfortable night for Vincent Kompany.

For United, the win was especially welcome as they had a Manchester derby against City on Sunday. Carrick’s side still have a lot to prove after their uneven start at home, but their first Champions League game offered plenty of encouragement.

MANCHESTER UNITED FIND YOUR RHYTHM

Sabah started positively at Old Trafford but United finally found their stride when Matheus Cunha converted Patrick Dorg’s cross in the 27th minute. Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko then struck late in the first half to put the home side firmly in control.

The return of Sesko to the starting eleven was one of the biggest positives of the evening. The 23-year-old’s physical presence provided United with a focal point in attack, while Joshua Zirkzee impressed after coming off the bench before Lisandro Martinez added the fourth after a lively move. With goal difference set to prove crucial in the league stage, United could hardly have asked for a better start.

COMO MAKE HISTORY IN STYLE

Como’s Champions League debut turned into a night of celebrations as Martin Baturina, Anastasios Douvikas and Assane Diao put the Italian side three goals ahead before Maximo Perrone added a fourth late on. Leipzig’s only response came on a one-sided evening at a reduced capacity Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

The result underlined the progress made by Cesc Fabregas, who guided Como to fourth in Serie A last season. Playmaker Nico Paz remained central to their attacking threat, while Baturina was named man of the match as Como got their first taste of European football. “We’re brave,” Baturina said, echoing the fearless attitude that carried them throughout the night.

KANE AND OLIS LEAD BY BAYERN ROUT

Bayern finally overcame Bodo/Glimt after a competitive opening period. Musiala broke the deadlock early in the second half to score Bayern’s 900th Champions League goal before Kane doubled the advantage with a free-kick header.

Davies added a spectacular third from distance before Olise found the top corner before striking again in stoppage time. Kane’s goal was his 55th in the competition in just 71 games, moving him behind Erling Haaland and Ruud van Nistelrooy for the quickest players to reach the mark. Bodo/Glimt’s night ended with Odin Bjortuft sent off for a late foul on Olis.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

11 Sep 2026 10:08 IST