Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has praised his players after a commanding 4-0 win against Sabah on return to the Champions League. United were returning to Europe’s most elite football competition after a long gap of more than 1000 days but they were able to start their campaign with a statement win.

Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Šeško and Lisandaro Martinez found the back of the net for the home team at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Asked afterwards whether four goals and a clean sheet represented a perfect night, Carrick said: “I think so. It’s what we set out to achieve.

“I think it was a good performance, individually, collectively, pretty much all the way through the game, from start to finish. Boys that started, boys that came on the pitch, clean sheet, and some goals, and some good, exciting football. It was a good night all round, yeah.”

Carrick’s team has got off to a mix start this season. They started their campaign with a 0-2 loss against Hull City and then registered a comprehensive 5-2 win against Ipswich Town. United were leading by 2-1 against Everton but a late stoppage time goal forced them to share the spoils.

“Results-wise, it hasn’t been the start we wanted,” Carrick said.

“You know, we wanted to have more points in the league. But performance-wise, there’s a lot of things in there that we kind of were looking for and we’ve been pleased with. There’s certainly things to improve, you know. I think a clean sheet tonight was important for us.

“Collectively as a team, we’ve done a lot of good things, and that’s why we’re kind of excited about what the season brings. It’s really encouraging for me.”

Manchester United will face derby rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.