Manchester United marked their return to the Champions League with a 4-0 victory over Sabah FK at Old Trafford on September 10, 2026, earning a reported £1.8 million UEFA win bonus. Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute, Bruno Fernandes struck in the 42nd, Benjamin Sesko made it 3-0 in the 45th minute and Lisandro Martínez added the fourth after halftime. The result ended United’s absence since the 2023/24 competition and Sabah FK’s qualifying run culminated in the Baku-based club’s Champions League league-phase debut. United are guaranteed an estimated €18.6 million participation payment, with further revenue available through additional victories, broadcasting pools, coefficient-based distributions and market pools. The club’s shares showed no immediate reaction, while manager Michael Carrick’s team was due to face Manchester City in the Premier League shortly afterward.