Manchester United Hosts Sabah in Landmark Champions League Clash at Old Trafford

Manchester United is set to welcome Sabah on Thursday evening as the Champions League returns to Old Trafford for the first time since 2023. This match marks the first-ever meeting between the Red Devils and the Azerbaijani club, which was established only in 2017.

Three Key Storylines Ahead of Kickoff

• First-Ever Matchup With an Azerbaijani Team: Manchester United has never competed against a team from Azerbaijan before. While Qarabağ FK has been Azerbaijan’s most experienced club in European contests, including multiple Champions League appearances and a recent knockout stage run, Sabah is making its debut past the qualifying rounds this season.
• Champions League Debuts for Several United Players: Since United last appeared in the Champions League in December 2023, many current players have not yet experienced this level of competition. Attack ace Bryan Mbeumo, goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and defender Leny Yoro—who previously featured in the Conference League with LOSC Lille and the Europa League with United—are all set for their first Champions League matches.
• Michael Carrick’s Impeccable European Managerial Start: The former player, who lifted the Champions League trophy with United in 2008 and reached two additional finals in 2009 and 2011, has a perfect record as a manager in Europe. His sole game so far was a 2-0 away victory over Villarreal during his caretaker stint in 2021. This fixture will be his first European match at home as United’s manager.