September 11, 2026, 8:00 AM
Benjamin Šeško’s return to form continued as Manchester United opened their Champions League campaign with a 4–0 victory over Sabah at Old Trafford. The Slovenian striker scored for the second match in succession, netting his first European goal for the club to give Michael Carrick’s side a commanding half-time lead.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute, converting Patrick Dorgu’s cross after United had survived an early chance for Sabah. Bruno Fernandes doubled the advantage shortly before half-time, before Šeško made it 3–0 in the 45th minute after being released through the middle. Lisandro Martínez completed the scoring in the second half.
Šeško took his goal calmly, controlling the pass, taking the ball around goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov and rolling his finish into the net. The 23-year-old was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee in the 63rd minute as Carrick continued to manage his minutes following a lengthy absence with a shin injury.
The forward described the occasion as a significant moment after United’s long-awaited return to the Champions League.
“I think it was perfect for everyone, especially our fans,” Šeško said. “It means a lot to them when they see so many goals. It was great for us in general and gives us more motivation for the upcoming games.”
Šeško added that the result and his goal provided a valuable confidence lift before Sunday’s Manchester derby.
“The confidence boost is definitely big,” he said. “It’s important to recover well and focus on the derby.”
Fernandes and former United defender Rio Ferdinand praised Šeško after the match. The United captain replied “Beast” to the striker’s post celebrating the occasion, while Ferdinand encouraged him to continue making runs behind opposition defences.
Carrick has highlighted the distinctive qualities Šeško brings to his attack, praising the striker’s physicality, speed and ability to play on the last line of the defence.
“He definitely offers a different kind of threat,” Carrick said. “There are not many who can give us what he gives us—speed, physicality, the ability to play on the last line and run in behind. Great to have him back.”
The victory gave United the ideal start to their European campaign, with four different goalscorers and a clean sheet providing a confidence boost before the visit of Manchester City. Šeško’s improving sharpness will give Carrick an important selection option as United prepare for their biggest domestic test of the season so far.
