Manchester United Prepare for Champions League Opener Against Sabah

Manchester United were back on the grass at Carrington this morning, the tempo sharp and the focus clear, as Michael Carrick’s side tuned up for their Champions League opener against Sabah.

The Red Devils launch their European campaign at Old Trafford tomorrow night at 8pm, welcoming the reigning Azerbaijan champions in a tie they are widely expected to control. Expectation, though, has not always been United’s friend.

Contrasting form as Europe beckons

Sabah arrive with the swagger of a side that has forgotten how to concede. Three league games, eight goals scored, none allowed. They come into Manchester with rhythm, confidence and a clean defensive slate.

United’s start to the Premier League season has been far less straightforward. Three games, three different outcomes: one win, one draw, one defeat. Each outing has brought the same concern – two goals conceded every time – and two of those matches came against newly-promoted Ipswich Town and Hull City.

Carrick knows that kind of generosity will not fly in Europe. A strong, authoritative performance on home turf on Thursday is not just desirable; it feels non-negotiable if United are to set the tone for their UCL campaign.

Carrick juggling injuries and options

The morning’s session offered a clearer picture of Carrick’s options as he works around a handful of ongoing fitness issues.

Amad Diallo remains sidelined, still recovering from the minor problem he picked up in pre-season. At the back, Matthijs de Ligt is yet to fully rejoin training as he continues his comeback from the back injury that cut short his 2025/26 season last November.

Even so, Carrick had a substantial group to work with. Those present at Carrington included:

• Lammens, Darlow, Mee, Honor.
• Dalot, Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Heaven, Martinez, Amass.
• Santos, Mount, Tielemans, Mainoo, Fernandes, Thwaites.
• Dorgu, Cunha, Rashford, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Lacey, Sesko.

It is a blend of seasoned internationals, high-profile signings and ambitious youngsters, all vying for a place in United’s first European XI of the season.

Rashford boost, Shaw rested, Amass waiting

The standout sight on the training pitch was Marcus Rashford back among the group. The forward had been withdrawn around the 70-minute mark at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday after feeling some discomfort, prompting a flicker of concern.

Carrick moved quickly after the match to explain the decision, stressing it was precautionary. The reaction since has only underlined how sharp Rashford looked in that game, with his display widely described as “outstanding” and “sharp”. His presence at Carrington this morning is a significant boost ahead of Sabah’s visit.

Luke Shaw, United’s only natural senior left-back, did not train – but not for reasons that will trouble Carrick. As reported by BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, Shaw was simply given a designated rest day, a planned pause in a long season rather than a new problem.

In his absence, the door nudges open a little wider for Harry Amass. The young full-back trained with the squad again as he waits for his first competitive minutes under Carrick. For now he is on the fringes, but nights like Thursday can change careers quickly.

United know what is at stake. A clean sheet, a statement win, and a calm start to a turbulent competition – or early questions about whether this European journey will live up to the badge on the shirt.