Manchester United entertain Sabah in tonight’s Champions League clash at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are back in the elite European competition after two seasons, and they will be aiming for a comfortable win over Sabah.

Manager Michael Carrick is bound to consider some rotation, given that United have a crucial Premier League derby against Manchester City at home on Sunday afternoon.

In our view, the 45-year-old could make four changes to the starting XI.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Line-up:

Senne Lammens has been United’s undisputed goalkeeper since making his league debut in October last year. The Belgian will be eyeing his first clean sheet of the campaign tonight.

The backline could see a couple of changes from the 2-2 league draw against Everton on Sunday. Diogo Dalot had a difficult opening half and could easily have received an early booking.

He won just 30 percent of his overall duels and was dribbled past twice. We believe Noussair Mazraoui could get the nod over the Portuguese after his subpar showing at right-back.

Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez look poised to continue in the heart of the defence, but there could be a change in the left-back position with Luke Shaw possibly getting a breather.

The Englishman was given an extra day’s recovery on Wednesday. Considering his worrying injury record over the years, his workload may need to be managed during the ongoing season.

Based on his absence yesterday, we fancy Patrick Dorgu to slot into the left-back position. The Dane has exclusively played as a left winger under Carrick, but he is a defensive player by trade.

The third change could happen in the centre of the park. Youri Tielemans has fared decently in recent matches, but his limited ball progression means there is definite room for a different personnel.

Andrey Santos has not made the starting XI since the 2-0 loss to Hull City in the season opener. We fancy the former Chelsea man to partner Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield against Sabah.

In the final third, captain Bruno Fernandes is an obvious starter in the number 10 role. Bryan Mbeumo should likewise continue on the right wing on the back of scoring a fabulous goal at Everton.

Carrick hinted that Benjamin Sesko is not far away from making the XI after his late goal against the Toffees. We feel the Slovenian should be unleashed upfront as part of the preparation for the Manchester derby.

Marcus Rashford has recovered from a minor injury scare last weekend. He would be our preferred choice on the left wing ahead of Matheus Cunha, who could still feature from the bench.

How Man Utd could line up vs Sabah

Stats from Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has confirmed defender Luke Shaw is fit for the Champions League opener against Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

The Red Devils have returned to the elite European competition after two seasons. They will start their campaign against Sabah and should fancy a commanding win.

Ahead of the game, Carrick dismissed any concerns over Shaw, who was not spotted in today’s training session. The Englishman was not present due to a designated rest day.

Still, the manager has yet to decide whether the 31-year-old will start against Sabah tomorrow.

Carrick said: “Yeah, we just gave him an extra recovery day today, Luke. So, obviously, we’ll see tomorrow how he is but it’s not an ongoing thing or planning like that.

“Off the back of the game the other day, as normal, each individual has different little things we manage, and Luke was one of them today.”

Shaw may not start against Sabah

Shaw has been ever-present for United in the left-back position since the start of the previous campaign. He has shown tremendous fitness levels, but his injury record is a concern.

The £27 million signing had a reduced workload with only the league to concentrate on last season, but the extra European football means his fitness could be put to the ultimate test.

He was given an extra recovery day, which could be a possible hint that he may not start from the off tomorrow. Patrick Dorgu could be entrusted to start in the position.

The Dane has played as a left-sided winger under Carrick, but the 45-year-old recently acknowledged that the former Lecce man has the credentials to play in a defensive role.

Noussair Mazraoui could certainly be the alternative choice. The Moroccan dazzled as a left-back at the World Cup and could take up a similar role for United against Sabah.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has dropped a massive selection hint ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with Sabah FK tomorrow.

Speaking to the media today, Carrick was asked whether Benjamin Sesko is ready to make his first start of the season.

He responded: “Ben is close, obviously. He’s obviously getting closer and closer.

“He missed a lot, since the Liverpool game [last season], it’s a long time to miss. We had to manage it and get him fit, he trained three-and-a-bit weeks fully, with no restrictions.

“You can see that coming onto the pitch, getting stronger and it was a fantastic goal, he did that an awful lot for us last season.

“It’s good to see him get on crosses and he’ll be part of each and every game. It’s just a case of when we take the next step, he’s in a good place.”

Sesko has featured from the bench in all three games this season, but his late headed goal against Everton provided a timely reminder of the threat he offers.

The Slovenia international missed the entire pre-season after aggravating a shin injury against Liverpool in May.

Benjamin Sesko could finally start vs Sabah

Carrick clearly favours a fluid attacking system, with his forwards encouraged to interchange positions and create problems from different areas.

However, Sabah could provide the perfect opportunity to unleash Sesko from the first whistle and give him the platform to attack crosses inside the box.

United have increased the volume of deliveries from the flanks.

The accuracy and quality of those crosses need improvement but it is a positive sign for a towering centre-forward like Sesko.

The 23-year-old showcased his aerial threat against Everton, rising to power home a crucial late header.

Sesko joined United from RB Leipzig for an initial fee of around £66.3 million last summer.

He bagged 12 goals across all competitions and finished as the joint-highest goalscorer for United alongside Bryan Mbeumo.

Matheus Cunha has operated in the number nine role this campaign but it would be a wise decision to ask Sesko to spearhead the attack in the European competition.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has hailed teenager JJ Gabriel and urged him to stay at the club.

Gabriel is widely regarded as one of the most promising players in the United academy, showing huge potential beyond his years.

The 15-year-old was crowned the 2025/26 U18 Premier League Player of the Year after scoring 23 goals in 23 appearances.

Gabriel is already impressing with Man United U21s, chipping in with two goals and two assists in Premier League 2. He ranks second for goal involvements in the division.

Giggs, speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, believes the England youth international is at the right club and should not consider a loan move to gain first-team experience.

“In my view, JJ is sort of a generational talent. He’s got to stay at Man United. There’s no point in going out on loan because he’s at the best place and he’d be dipping in and out of the first team. So that experience is invaluable.

“You know, not only the games and the training, but actually travelling with the team, seeing the expectation of Man United, you’re seeing all sort of, the focus is so huge on Manchester United. You need to get used to that”.

Gabriel trained with United’s first team last season before featuring for Michael Carrick’s side for the first time in a friendly against Atletico Madrid last month. He was also an unused substitute in three friendlies.

The promising forward needs to exercise patience to break into the first team, considering the competition for places.

Forward Shea Lacey, who also impressed at the Red Devils academy before his promotion to the first team, is not getting game time. He still features for the U21s to preserve his match fitness.

Gabriel needs to keep working hard with United’s development side. There is a ‘growing expectation‘ that he could make his first-team debut this season.

The England-born forward could become United’s youngest-ever competitive debutant, potentially surpassing the current record held by the late goalkeeper David Gaskell.

Gabriel could make his UEFA Youth League debut on Thursday when Man United host Azerbaijani side Sabah.

Article written by Henry Thornton .

Manchester United are set to face Sabah FK in the UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford tomorrow.

The Theatre of Dreams will be excited to host a Champions League game after two years.

United have dropped an official update on training ahead of the curtain-raiser.

It was a welcome boost for head coach Michael Carrick as Marcus Rashford took part in the training session.

Rashford was taken off in the 70th minute during the 2-2 draw with Everton last weekend.

Carrick confirmed after the game that the winger felt something and could not continue.

The 28-year-old is now expected to start tomorrow after an encouraging start to the 2026-27 campaign.

Luke Shaw was a notable absentee from the training session.

However, United have confirmed that Shaw was on a designated rest day as the club want him to recover after starting the first three games of the season.

Giving Shaw additional rest is the right decision as he is the only natural senior left-back available under Carrick.

We believe the head coach should show faith in Patrick Dorgu and start him at left-back.

Harry Amass is another option for Carrick after United blocked his transfer exit this summer.

United have to play four games in 10 days before the international break.

Considering Shaw’s injury history, it would be sensible not to include him in the matchday squad tomorrow.

Matthijs de Ligt, Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte and Carlos Baleba were also unavailable for training as they recover from their respective injury setbacks.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United have suffered a major blow to their plans to strengthen the squad.

The Times reported yesterday that Lewis Hall has agreed a new five-year deal to stay at Newcastle United.

The official announcement could come out today with Hall becoming one of the best-paid players at Newcastle.

He is contracted at Newcastle until the summer of 2031 and it remains unclear whether his new deal contains a release clause.

United had a strong interest in bringing Hall to Old Trafford during the previous summer transfer window.

The Red Devils contacted Newcastle directly but were told emphatically that he was not for sale.

INEOS could regret waiting

United entered the summer with midfield reinforcements high on their agenda, but the need for a new left-back was impossible to ignore.

Luke Shaw is the only senior left-back available in the current squad.

With United potentially facing a gruelling schedule of around 60 matches, expecting Shaw to shoulder the entire workload would be a huge gamble.

Hall would have represented an ideal long-term solution for United at left-back.

Still only 22, the England international has already amassed more than 100 senior appearances for Chelsea and Newcastle.

His technical quality on the ball makes him particularly attractive, while his aggressive defending gives him the bite required to thrive at the highest level.

His ability to play progressive passes is another standout quality, one he developed during his formative years when he was used in midfield.

The new contract could now hand Newcastle a formidable negotiating advantage in future transfer windows.

They may not entertain any offers for the youngster. 

Even if Newcastle eventually decide to cash in, they could demand a record-breaking fee for a full-back, especially if Hall enjoys a spectacular 2026-27 campaign.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United will finally return to the UEFA Champions League on Thursday evening when they welcome Sabah FK to Old Trafford.

It has been a tough start for Michael Carrick as the permanent manager of Man United.

The Red Devils have collected just four points from their opening three league games, with two of those fixtures coming against newly promoted opposition.

United will turn their attention to Sabah, who are set to make their Champions League debut at the Theatre of Dreams.

With four matches crammed into just nine days, Carrick must carefully manage his squad and avoid running his key players into the ground.

Luke Shaw is one of the most injury-prone players in the United squad, making his workload a major concern.

The veteran left-back produced a superb assist for Benjamin Sesko against Everton, but Carrick should resist the temptation to start him again.

Patrick Dorgu must be given an opportunity to replace Shaw.

The Red Devils are a much stronger side on paper and are expected to dominate possession.

Dorgu is an explosive runner and will bring energy on the left flank.

Defending remains the weaker part of his game, but Carrick can afford to take that gamble if his side spends most of the evening playing on the front foot.

Dorgu’s presence at left-back could also give Marcus Rashford or Matheus Cunha greater freedom to drift inside, knowing an overlapping outlet is ready to provide width.

The £29.4 million-rated ace must learn from his late mistake against Everton, when he charged forward to press the opposition alone during stoppage time.

With United protecting their lead in the dying moments, Dorgu would have been better served holding his position and helping the defence see out the game.

The 21-year-old is still developing and mistakes like that are part of the learning curve.

Carrick should now give Dorgu another opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to become a regular presence at Old Trafford.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has an outside chance of being fit for the Premier League trip to Fulham on September 20, according to The Daily Mail.

The Ivory Coast international had a difficult 2025/26 season with the Red Devils. He was a regular starter but registered just two goals and four assists in 32 league appearances.

Diallo went on to impress at the World Cup with a couple of crucial goals, but he has been unable to carry over the form to United after picking up a knock before the Hull City game.

The 24-year-old has yet to return to first-team training, but The Daily Mail claim that there is an ‘outside chance’ that he could be deemed fit to face Fulham later this month.

Amad faces make-or-break season at United

Amad can be a top-class winger on his day, but consistency has been a big concern with him. The £19 million signing found success as a wing-back under former manager Ruben Amorim, but has failed to replicate those performances as a specialist right winger under Michael Carrick.

He is still considered an integral part of United’s first team, but the ongoing season could be make-or-break for him. The Ivorian star faces direct competition from Bryan Mbeumo for the right-wing position whenever Carrick picks Benjamin Sesko as the main centre-forward.

Mbeumo had an equally frustrating end to the previous campaign as Amad, but the Cameroonian ace has stepped up this term with two goals and an indirect assist. The onus is now on Amad to prove his credentials. He may have to work his way back to the XI when fully fit.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford was substituted against Everton last weekend with a minor hamstring concern. Carrick confirmed the news after the 2-2 draw, and we should get a further update on the winger’s fitness during tomorrow’s press conference at Carrington.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .

Manchester United begin their Champions League campaign on Thursday night at Old Trafford, facing Azerbaijani side Sabah FK.

Sabah won the Misli Premier League, the Azerbaijan top flight, last season. They secured their place in Europe’s elite club competition through the qualifying rounds.

Read on as we look at three Sabah players to look out for in the fixture.

Joy-Lance Mickels

Mickels is Sabah’s all-time leading goalscorer. He was Azerbaijan’s top-flight top scorer last season, scoring 19 goals in 25 games.

The Rwanda international has made a strong start to the season, chipping in with eight goals and one assist in 11 appearances.

His two-footedness, pace, dribbling and finishing make him a handful for defenders.

Tymoteusz Puchacz

Puchacz is the visitors’ most creative outlet. The left-back was the only player to reach double figures for assists in the Azerbaijan Premier League last term.

The Polish defender has not been in great form in the league, but impressed during the qualifiers, registering five assists in eight matches.

He is not the strongest one-on-one defender, but relies heavily on his recovery pace when defending against explosive forwards.

Veljko Simic

Simic played a key role in Sabah’s success last season, and has enjoyed a brilliant start to the campaign.

The Serbian forward scored six goals and provided one assist in the qualifiers and has netted once in the league.

Simic has a strong eye for goal, aided by his ability to cut inside from the left. He is also a good dribbler and can carry the ball at pace, making him dangerous in transition.

Stats from Transfermarkt & Sofascore

Article written by Henry Thornton .

Manchester United host Azerbaijani side Sabah FK at Old Trafford in their UEFA Champions League opener on Thursday evening.

United finished third in the Premier League last season, securing automatic qualification for Europe’s elite club competition.

Sabah, meanwhile, won the Azerbaijan Premier League to secure their place in the qualifiers. They beat TNS, KuPS, Aarhus and Hapoel Be’er Sheva to qualify for the competition for the first time in the club’s history.

As a result, this is the first-ever meeting between the Owls and the Mancunian giants.

Man United have not enjoyed an impressive start to the season, collecting four points from their opening three Premier League games.

The Red Devils were seconds away from victory at Everton on Sunday before Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ brilliant strike rescued a draw for the Toffees.

Manager Michael Carrick will now be hoping for a positive response against Sabah.

United are expected to dominate possession. They need to move the ball quickly and exploit the spaces left behind by Sabah’s adventurous full-backs.

The hosts need to keep the ball well, with Sabah very dangerous in transition, with the pace of forwards Veljko Simic and Joy-Lance Mickels.

Carrick could make three changes to the side that started against Everton. Noussair Mazraoui, Andrey Santos and Benjamin Sesko may replace Diogo Dalot, Youri Tielemans and Marcus Rashford, respectively.

Sabah are likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 compact shape. They will look to hurt United in transition, using the pace of their forwards and the width from their full-backs.

Man United must avoid an upset against the Azerbaijani champions if they are to go into Sunday’s Manchester derby with positive momentum.

Article written by Henry Thornton .