Manchester United thrashed new boys Sabah 4-0 in their UEFA Champions League group phase opener at Old Trafford, while Bayern Munich hammered Norway’s Bodo/Glimt 5-0 in thrilling fashion.
Azerbaijan champions Sabah did not even exist a decade ago, but after winning the domestic title they moved into the qualifying rounds and beat Israel’s Hapoel Beer-Sheva to proudly take their place in the group stage alongside Europe’s big guns.
A visit to Old Trafford for United’s return to the Champions League after a two-season absence proved a step too far though as they were rolled over by Michael Carrick’s side.
Matheus Cunha began the rout in the 27th minute before Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko struck shortly before halftime. Lisandro Martinez added United’s fourth as they got the perfect tonic ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.
“It’s nice to have a clean sheet,” Manchester United manager Michael Carrick said. “I thought some of our attacking players were fantastic.”
“Some of the football we played was really good: dangerous on transition, and we defended for the most part really well.”
Sabah made Champions League history though as they became the first club to field a starting line-up consisting of 11 different nationalities.
Bayern Munich 5-0 Bodo/Glimt
Bayern were frustrated before halftime by Bodo/Glimt but cruised once Jamal Musiala smashed in the opener two minutes after halftime and the floodgates opened.
Harry Kane headed the second on the hour — his 34th goal in 39 Champions League appearances for Bayern — and Alphonso Davies made it 3-0 with a powerful half-volley.
With Vincent Kompany’s side in full flow, Michael Olise completed the scoring with a superb late brace.
Bayern have now won their opening match in each of their last 23 Champions League campaigns.
Thursday’s UEFA Champions League results
Fenerbahçe 1-1 Roma
PSV 1-1 Shakhtar
Como 4-1 Leizpig
Bayern Munich 5-0 Bodø/Glimt
Manchester United 4-0 Sabah
Slavia Prague 2-3 Lens.
