Šeško Scores in Champions League Win to Challenge for Manchester Derby Start

Benjamin Šeško scored late in the first half of Manchester United's 4-0 victory against Sabah FK to stake his claim for a starting spot against Manchester City.

Manchester United secured a 4-0 victory over Sabah FK in their UEFA Champions League opener at Old Trafford on Thursday. Benjamin Šeško scored for the second time in five days, doubling his recent tally after netting against Everton the previous Sunday. The 23-year-old Slovenian striker found the net late in the first half after receiving a pass from Bryan Mbeumo and rounding the Azerbaijani champions' goalkeeper.

Šeško played 63 minutes before being replaced by Joshua Zirkzee. His performance followed a summer recovery from an injury sustained in early May, which had previously limited him to substitute appearances against Hull City and Ipswich Town. Head coach Michael Carrick noted that Šeško offers a unique physical threat and speed compared to other attackers like Matheus Cunha, who scored his first goal of the season against Sabah, and Marcus Rashford, who remained an unused substitute on Thursday.

United’s clean sheet was supported by Patrick Dorgu, who started at left-back and provided the assist for Cunha's opening goal. The defensive selection came as Luke Shaw was omitted from the squad for a "designated rest day" following cramps during the 2-2 draw with Everton. Carrick must now decide his lineup for Sunday's Manchester derby against an Enzo Maresca-led Manchester City side that has benefited from two additional days of preparation time.