Michael Carrick’s key tactical determination as Man Utd make emphatic Champions League return
Manchester United are back in the Champions League and straight back to winning ways – and it’s all thanks to a key decision from Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick’s side ran out 4-0 winners(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United were back in the Champions League with a bang as FK Sabah’s dream debut quickly descended into a nightmare at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils welcomed top-tier European football back on Thursday evening (September 10) with a strong side against the Azerbaijani champions. And they took the lead through Matheus Cunha and never looked back as the hosts ran out 4-0 winners.
It was United at their best as Michael Carrick’s side outclassed Sabah in front of a buoyant Stretford End. And their dominance was best captured by the Red Devils’ second goal – which was everything Carrick has been asking for.
Matheus Cunha got the party started(Image: AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
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Manchester City’s midfield rebuild had captured all the headlines – largely thanks to their free spending end to the window – but United have also had to rip apart and rebuild their engine room.
Youri Tielemans has been at the heart of that, and the Belgian picked up the ball on the half-way line – after a loose pass – and after driving at the defence he flicked the ball into the path of Bruno Fernandes, who then played a quick one-two and fired the ball into the net.
This trend of late runners could be seen across the match, helping to overload the Sabah defence, who had packed bodies into the box.
Benjamin Sesko netted Man Utd’s third, minutes after their second(Image: AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
There will be tougher tests to come for the Red Devils, but as Champions League returns go, it was perfect.
The only criticism that might be thrown at Carrick is that tonight was the chance to really boost their goal difference. Yes, United scored four goals, but in an eight game league phase that can quickly vanish come the business end of the phase.
Sabah will be back in the UK before the end of the league phase, they have Arsenal as their final game, while United now face a tricky trip to the Metropolitano where Atletico Madrid await.
Tougher tests await for Man Utd(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
However, before they can focus on the Champions League, there are local bragging rights on the line as they face City in the Premier League.
It’s a short turn around for the Old Trafford side – but Thursday was almost the perfect warm-up: four different scorers, clean sheet, and they never really had to move out of first gear.
