{
  "id": 6708965,
  "title": "Man United player ratings v Sabah: Fernandes 7, Tielemans 8, Sesko 8",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/man-united-player-ratings-v-sabah-fernandes-7-tielemans-8-sesko-8",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T04:31:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2026/09/11/man-united-player-ratings-v-sabah-fernandes-7-tielemans-8-sesko-8/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Manchester United's return to the UEFA Champions League after a two-season break, they faced off against Azerbaijan champions Sabah at Old Trafford. The match proved to be a challenging one for the Red Devils, as they fell short in a 4-0 defeat.\n\nMatheus Cunha opened the scoring for United in the 27th minute, followed by goals from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko shortly before halftime. Lisandro Martinez added a fourth goal for Manchester United, ensuring a comfortable victory ahead of their upcoming Manchester derby.\n\nPlayers were assessed with ratings out of 10. Senne Lammens received a 6/10, citing his lack of recent form and a clean sheet being a welcome surprise. Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro were both rated 6/10, acknowledging their efforts but noting Sabah's limited quality in front of goal. Lisandro Martinez, who scored United's fourth goal, earned a 7/10 for his well-executed set piece. Patrick Dorgu and Kobbie Mainoo each received a 7/10 for their contributions and comfortable play, with the latter being brought off to prepare for the Manchester derby. Youri Tielemans and Bruno Fernandes both scored 8/10, praised for their creativity and impact on the game. Bryan Mbe was rated 8/10 for his effective play, while Benjamin Sesko, who netted the fourth goal, was given a perfect 8/10 for his impressive finish.",
  "summary": "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 of the Uefa Champions League. A visit to Old Trafford for Manchester United's return to European football's premier competition after a two-season absence proved a step too far,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Man United player ratings v Sabah: Fernandes 7, Tielemans 8, Sesko 8",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/man-united-player-ratings-v-sabah-fernandes-7-tielemans-8-sesko-8-6710393",
        "published": "2026-09-11T04:31:21.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "UCL: Carrick hails three Man United players after 4-0 win over Sabah",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/ucl-carrick-hails-three-man-united-players-after-4-0-win-over-sabah",
        "published": "2026-09-11T05:12:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}