Manchester United Prepare for Champions League Opener Against Sabah
Manchester United were back on the grass at Carrington this morning, sharpening up for a European night that carries more weight than the opposition’s profile might suggest.
Sabah, the reigning champions of Azerbaijan, arrive at Old Trafford tomorrow for an 8pm kick-off to launch United’s Champions League campaign. On paper, it looks like a gentle start. Their form says otherwise.
The visitors have flown out of the blocks domestically, scoring eight goals in their first three league fixtures without conceding once. They travel with rhythm, confidence and a clean defensive record that will test a United side still trying to find its own.
United, by contrast, have stumbled through an uneven Premier League opening: one win, one draw, one defeat. Michael Carrick’s team have conceded two goals in each of their three games, including against newly-promoted Ipswich Town and Hull City. The pattern is clear enough. They create, they threaten, but they leave the back door open.
That’s why Thursday night matters. Home crowd, European lights, and a chance to lay down a marker. Carrick needs a performance that looks like a statement, not a shrug.
Carrick’s squad picture: injuries, returns and a key reassurance
There was at least one significant boost at Carrington. Marcus Rashford trained with the group, easing any fears after his early withdrawal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.
Rashford was taken off around the 70-minute mark, with Carrick later explaining that the forward had felt some discomfort and was removed as a precaution. His display that day drew praise as “outstanding” and “sharp”, and his presence in training suggests he will be ready to lead the line again when Sabah visit.
The injury situation elsewhere is less straightforward.
Amad Diallo remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a minor issue picked up in pre-season. Matthijs de Ligt is still working his way back, too. The centre-back has yet to fully rejoin training after the back injury that cut short his 2025/26 campaign in November last year. For now, Carrick must plan without him.
Luke Shaw, United’s only established senior left-back, did not feature in today’s session. His absence is not injury-related, though. He has been granted a designated rest day, according to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, and is expected to be available.
The training group itself underlined the options Carrick does have at his disposal. Those present this morning included:
- Goalkeepers: Lammens, Darlow, Mee, Honor.
- Defenders: Dalot, Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Heaven, Martinez, Amass.
- Midfielders: Santos, Mount, Tielemans, Mainoo, Fernandes, Thwaites.
- Forwards: Dorgu, Cunha, Rashford, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Lacey, Sesko.
Among them, one name stands out for different reasons. Young full-back Harry Amass trained again as he waits for his first competitive minutes under Carrick. With Shaw resting and the European schedule about to bite, his opportunity may not be far away.
Sabah arrive with momentum and a perfect defensive record. United walk into this tie with questions at the back and expectations in the stands. Carrick has his players on the grass, his squad list taking shape, and his first Champions League selection of the season looming.
Now Old Trafford will demand to see whether this European journey starts with a flourish or another nervous glance over the shoulder.
