Manchester United vs Sabah: UEFA Champions League – preview, team news
Manchester United return to the UEFA Champions League on Thursday when they host Azerbaijani champions Sabah at Old Trafford, a campaign Michael Carrick says the club are ready to challenge in. United have had a slow start domestically with four points from four Premier League matches, but Carrick insists the squad is capable of competing with Europe’s elite.
Why It Matters
United had been absent from the Champions League for three years and have struggled to progress in recent campaigns, making their performance in the group stage a key measure of whether they can re-establish themselves among Europe’s top clubs. How they manage a heavier schedule and integrate players returning from injury will affect their chances across domestic and continental competitions.
Key Facts
- Champions League return: United back in Champions League group stage for first time in three years
- Group opponents (opening match): Host Azerbaijani champions Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday
- Premier League start: Four points from their first four Premier League games
- Manager status: Michael Carrick is the permanent United boss after guiding them to third place in the previous season
- Recent European form: Eliminated at the group stage in two of their last three Champions League appearances; have not gone past the last 16 since 2019},{
Manchester United begin their Champions League group-stage campaign at Old Trafford on Thursday, welcoming Azerbaijani champions Sabah as Michael Carrick stresses the squad are prepared to test themselves against Europe’s best. Carrick, who was appointed permanent manager after steering United to a third-place finish last season, described the competition as special and said the club are intent on progressing as far as possible.
Domestically United have endured a sluggish start, collecting only four points from four Premier League fixtures. Still, Carrick pointed to the team’s stronger displays against top opposition last season — including wins over Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea — as evidence the squad can raise its level for major ties.
United’s recent Champions League history has been inconsistent: they were eliminated at the group stage in two of their last three appearances and have not advanced beyond the last 16 since 2019. Carrick acknowledged some players will be experiencing this level of European competition differently, but said the overall squad depth should allow them to compete across multiple fronts.
The club’s transfer business was limited compared with several rivals, with reinforcements focused on midfield. Carrick also highlighted the need for the squad to adapt to a busier schedule after last season’s relatively light fixture load — United played just 40 matches, their fewest since 1914–15 — and he talked about managing minutes across Thursday, Sunday and midweek fixtures.
In team news, Benjamin Sesko is pushing for his first start after scoring as a substitute in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Everton. Defender Matthijs de Ligt is also close to returning after nearly a year out with a back problem, offering Carrick additional options as the campaign intensifies.
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