And while the goals grabbed the headlines, the midfield partnership between Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing developments under Michael Carrick.
Bruno once again looked like the heartbeat of the team. The United captain controlled the tempo, demanded the ball, created opportunities and eventually got his reward with a beautifully taken goal before half-time. His performance underlined exactly why UEFA identified him as United’s key player ahead of their Champions League campaign.
But Tielemans was not simply there to support Bruno.
The Belgian midfielder looked composed, intelligent and increasingly comfortable in United’s system. He helped United dictate possession, moved the ball forward with purpose and provided an assist during the 4–0 demolition. His creativity and ability to operate between the lines gave Bruno more freedom to influence the final third.
The numbers and ratings shown in the circulating graphic have sparked even more debate among supporters, particularly because both players appear to be growing into their roles with every game. 👀🔥
There is also a bigger picture here.
Carrick’s Manchester United are beginning to look much more aggressive and confident in possession. Against Sabah, United did not panic when the visitors defended deeply. They kept moving the ball, pushed their full-backs forward and eventually broke the resistance through Matheus Cunha, Fernandes, Benjamin Šeško and Lisandro Martínez.
Šeško’s continued scoring form is another major positive. The Slovenian striker found the net again, while Cunha opened the scoring after Patrick Dorgu’s delivery created the opportunity. Martínez then completed the rout after the interval.
What makes the performance even more interesting is the timing.
United had only recently thrown away a late lead against Everton in a dramatic 2–2 draw, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles scoring a stoppage-time equaliser. Instead of allowing that disappointment to affect them, Carrick’s side responded with a clean sheet and four goals on the biggest European stage.
The real test, however, is already waiting.
Manchester City are next.
After this Champions League statement, Bruno, Tielemans and the rest of Carrick’s squad now head into the Manchester derby with confidence rising and expectations increasing. 🔥🔴
If this midfield partnership continues developing at this rate, United may finally have the control and creativity needed to compete consistently at the highest level again.
The Champions League is back at Old Trafford — and Manchester United have wasted absolutely no time reminding everyone that they intend to make noise. 🏆🔥🔴