Manchester United vs Sabah: Predicted Lineup and Team Updates

Manchester United Faces Sabah in Champions League Opener

Manchester United will kick off their Champions League campaign at Old Trafford this Thursday against Azerbaijani newcomers Sabah. This marks Sabah's first-ever encounter with an English club in European competition.

Michael Carrick experiences his first Champions League match as United’s head coach. The club will then prepare for a Manchester derby just three days later. United's recent group-stage form has been shaky, with only one win in their last seven matches stretching back to the 2023-24 season. Still, playing at home and boasting a strong squad could tilt the scales in their favor against this debutant team.

Team News for Manchester United

Several players remain sidelined due to injuries, including Matthijs de Ligt (back), Manuel Ugarte (knee), Carlos Baleba (ankle), Amad Diallo (ankle), and Tom Heaton (hamstring). Marcus Rashford is under evaluation after being substituted in Sunday’s match against Everton due to a muscle concern. Though expected to be fit, Carrick may rest him as a precaution given the short time before Sunday's derby against Manchester City.

Up to four changes are anticipated from the side that drew with Everton. Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui might replace Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in defense. Andrey Santos is likely to come in for Youri Tielemans in midfield. After scoring as a substitute against Everton, Benjamin Sesko could start in place of Rashford, probably pushing Matheus Cunha to the left wing.

Predicted Manchester United Starting XI

• Goalkeeper: Lammens
• Defenders: Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Mazraoui
• Midfielders: Santos, Mainoo
• Attacking Midfielders: Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha
• Forward: Sesko

Match Details and Broadcast Info

The match will begin at 20:00 BST on Thursday, 10 September 2026. Fans in the UK can watch the game live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with streaming accessible via HBO Max.