After a two-year absence, Manchester United are finally back in Europe’s premier tournament. Tonight, Azerbaijan’s champions Sabah await at Old Trafford – and manager Carrick has selected an attacking starting eleven.
Manchester United are ready for their big comeback in the Champions League. At 21:00, the match against Sabah kicks off at Old Trafford.
At the same time, Bayern Munich will host Bodø/Glimt.
Clubless Anthony Martial is millimeters away from La Liga
United have not played in Europe’s biggest club competition since they crashed out in the group stage of the 2023/24 season. But a strong third place in the Premier League secured new qualification – and tonight they get a taste of the new league phase format for the first time.
The opponent is not just anyone: Sabah is the reigning champion of Azerbaijan and makes his debut in the Champions League. On paper, United should be big favourites.
The line-ups
Manchester United’s starting eleven:
Lammens – Mazraoui, Martinez, Yoro, Dorgu – Fernandes, Tielemans, Mainoo – Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko
Manchester United’s substitutes:
Arlow, me, Amass, Dalot, Heaven, Maguire, Santos, Mount, Fletcher, Lacey, Rashford, Zirkzee
Sabah’s starting eleven:
Pokatilov – McCarthy, Dashdamirov, Rakhmonaliev, Nwachukwu, Parris, Lepinjica, Mickels, Simic, Puchacz, Zedadka
Sabah’s substitutes:
Ramazanov, Mirzammadov, Khaibulaev, Isaev, Rustamli, Mutallimov, Almedia, Queiroz, Fernandes, Mukhtarov, Mbina
United’s form before the game
United are coming off a 2-2 draw away to Everton, but have otherwise shown solid form in the season opener:
| Date | Match | Results |
|---|---|---|
| 06.09.26 | Everton – Man United | 2–2 |
| 30.08.26 | Man United – Ipswich | 5–2 |
| 22.08.26 | Hull City – Man United | 2–0 |
| 24.05.26 | Brighton – Man United | 0–3 |
| 17.05.26 | Man United – Nottingham Forest | 3–2 |
The statistics you should keep in mind
- First meeting with Azerbaijan: United are playing for the first time ever against an Azerbaijani team in a European context.
- English teams have never lost: In European tournaments, English clubs have never lost to Azerbaijani opposition – 11 games, 10 wins, and 1 draw, all against Qarabag.
- Troubled openings: United have not won their first game in the last four European seasons (1 draw, 3 losses).
- Weak Champions League form: United have won just one of their last nine games in the tournament (3 draws, 5 losses).
- Sabah Story: Azerbaijan’s second-ever team in the Champions League, after Qarabag.
- The Rashford stats: Marcus Rashford has been involved in 25 goals in 48 Champions League appearances for United – but he is actually more effective outside the club.
- The Fernandes machine: Bruno Fernandes has 15 goal points in 19 Champions League games for United – only Ruud van Nistelrooy has a better average.
Our forecast
Tougher games await United in the Champions League. But they should be able to take care of this in an experienced way in front of their own crowd.
Tip: Manchester United 2-0 Sabah
