Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Five Manchester United players made their Champions League debuts against Sabah FK on Thursday night.
The 2026/27 Champions League is underway, with every competing team having played its first match.
Manchester United beat Sabah FK 4-0 in their opening fixture at Old Trafford. The win puts the Reds third in the league phase, but Michael Carrick’s side has another seven matches to play against tougher opponents.
The goalscorers earned plenty of plaudits on the night, but United also had five Champions League debutants to celebrate a career milestone.
Shea Lacey playing against Sabah FK
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
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Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Amass among Man Utd quartet to lift lid on first Champions League appearance
It was a great night at Old Trafford as United fans heard the Champions League anthem for the first time in three years.
United’s 4-0 win over Sabah also marked Champions League debuts for Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, Shea Lacey, and Harry Amass.
Four of those players – Mbeumo, Dorgu, Lacey and Amass – have taken to social media to react to their first appearance in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Mbeumo wrote: “Great first step in UCL and Old Trafford! Amazing atmosphere! Thank you again.”
Fellow starter Dorgu shared pictures on Instagram, including one with the Man of the Match award, along with the caption: “First Champions League game. All glory to God.”
Amass came off the bench to make his Champions League debut at left-back before writing via Instagram: “UCL debut last night. Amazing feeling, a great win.”
Finally, Lacey updated his story on Instagram, with the following message: “Special night.”
This means Lammens is the only United player to make his Champions League debut who has yet to post about it on social media.
⚡️ KEY TAKEAWAYS
Manchester United quartet react after making their Champions League debuts
That includes Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, Shea Lacey, and Harry Amass
Manchester United beat Sabah FK 4-0 in their first Champions League match of the season
How many Sabah FK players made their Champions League debut against Man Utd?
Sabah FK played their first main-stage match in the Champions League against United.
That means we’re not including the qualifying rounds.
Sabah had 16 players make their Champions League debuts at Old Trafford.
It’s a match they will never forget, despite losing 4-0 in front of 600 of their fans.