Manchester United vs Sabah: Predicted Lineup and Team Updates
Manchester United Prepares for Champions League Return Against Sabah
Manchester United's Champions League campaign resumes this Thursday at Old Trafford, welcoming Azerbaijani newcomers Sabah. This match marks Sabah’s first encounter with English teams in European competition.
Michael Carrick steps into his initial Champions League role as United's head coach, with a Manchester derby looming just three days later. United have managed only one victory in their last seven group-stage matches of the competition, dating back to the 2023-24 season. Still, playing at home and possessing a skilled squad might tip the scales against Sabah, who are debuting in the league phase.
Manchester United Injury and Team News
Several players remain sidelined for Carrick’s squad: Matthijs de Ligt (back), Manuel Ugarte (knee), Carlos Baleba (ankle), Amad Diallo (ankle), and Tom Heaton (hamstring). Marcus Rashford is under evaluation after being taken off during Sunday's game against Everton due to muscle concerns. There is optimism about his fitness, but Carrick might opt to rest him as a precaution ahead of the derby.
Given the tight schedule before facing Manchester City, Carrick is expected to rotate up to four players from the Everton lineup. Possible changes include Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui replacing Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in defense. In midfield, Andrey Santos could take over from Youri Tielemans. Striker Benjamin Sesko, who scored after coming on against Everton, might start in place of Rashford, potentially moving Matheus Cunha to the left wing.
Projected Manchester United Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Lammens
- Defenders: Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Mazraoui
- Midfielders: Santos, Mainoo
- Attacking Midfielders: Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha
- Forward: Sesko
Match Details
- Date and Time: Thursday, 10 September 2026, 20:00 BST
- Venue: Old Trafford
- Broadcast: TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate in the UK
- Streaming: Available on HBO Max
