Manchester United Faces Sabah in Champions League Return at Old Trafford
Champions League Returns to Old Trafford
Manchester United opens its Champions League campaign after a three-year absence, hosting Azerbaijani newcomers Sabah on Thursday. This marks the first competitive encounter between these two clubs.
Background and Recent Form
Under Michael Carrick, Manchester United missed European football last season for the first time since 2014-15. The squad comes into this match following a dramatic 2-2 draw at Everton, where they twice held the lead before conceding a late equalizer from Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Currently, United is placed 11th in the Premier League with four points from three games.
On the other side, Sabah enter with confidence after winning six of eight Champions League qualifiers, securing their debut in the league phase. Their recent domestic form is strong too, having thrashed Zira 5-0, thanks largely to a hat-trick from Joy-Lance Mickels.
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 BST
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Referee: Willy Delajod (France)
- Previous Meetings: First-ever competitive game between Manchester United and Sabah
Team News
Manchester United faces several absences: Matthijs de Ligt (back), Manuel Ugarte (knee), Carlos Baleba (ankle), Amad Diallo (ankle), and Tom Heaton (hamstring) are sidelined. Marcus Rashford, who was withdrawn against Everton due to a muscular concern, is expected to be fit. Given an upcoming derby on Sunday, Carrick may rotate players, possibly recalling Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, and Andrey Santos.
Sabah arrive with a full-strength squad. Joy-Lance Mickels, who has eight goals in 11 matches this season, will likely spearhead the attack alongside Veljko Simic. Kaheem Parris is also anticipated in the starting lineup managed by Valdas Dambrauskas.
Recent Performances
Manchester United have won just once in their last seven Champions League group matches, losing four. Their last progression beyond the group stage was in 2021-22, exiting in the round of 16 to Atletico Madrid. The team currently trails Premier League leaders Manchester City by five points.
Sabah impressed in qualifiers, winning six of eight matches with four clean sheets, marking their league phase debut alongside teams like Como, LASK, and Viking. Domestically, they top the Azerbaijan Premier League, having won all three opening fixtures.
Expected Lineups
- Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Mazraoui; Santos, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
- Sabah: Pokatilov; Solvet, Dashdamirov, Puchacz, Zedadka; Rakhmonaliev, Isaev, Lepinjica, Parris; Mickels, Simic
Broadcast Information
The match will air live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with streaming access via HBO Max.
