Manchester United vs Sabah: Predicted Lineup and Team Updates
Champions League Return at Old Trafford
Manchester United kick off their Champions League campaign on Thursday against Sabah, newcomers from Azerbaijan making their European competition debut. This will be the first time Sabah face English opposition in Europe.
Michael Carrick experiences his inaugural Champions League match as United's head coach, with a Manchester derby looming just three days later. United have struggled recently in this competition, winning only one of their last seven group-stage games since the 2023-24 season. Still, playing at home and possessing a skilled squad might tip the scales in their favor against these first-time league-phase visitors.
Team News and Injuries
Several players remain sidelined for Manchester United: Matthijs de Ligt (back), Manuel Ugarte (knee), Carlos Baleba (ankle), Amad Diallo (ankle), and Tom Heaton (hamstring). Marcus Rashford is under assessment following a muscular issue that led to his substitution against Everton on Sunday. It seems likely he will be fit, but with the derby so close, Carrick may still opt to rest him as a precaution.
Due to the upcoming clash with Manchester City, Carrick might rotate up to four players from the Everton lineup. Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui are possible replacements for Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in defense, while Andrey Santos could come in for Youri Tielemans in midfield. Benjamin Sesko, who impressed off the bench versus Everton by scoring, might start instead of Rashford, potentially shifting Matheus Cunha to the left wing.
Predicted Starting XI for Manchester United
- Goalkeeper: Lammens
- Defenders: Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Mazraoui
- Midfielders: Santos, Mainoo
- Attacking Midfielders: Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha
- Forward: Sesko
Match Details
- Date & Time: Thursday, 10 September 2026, 20:00 BST
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Broadcast: Live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate in the UK
- Streaming: Available via HBO Max
