The latest Manchester United injury news ahead of their Champions League clash with Sabah
Manchester United get their 2026/27 Champions League campaign underway on Thursday night, when they played host to Azerbaijani side Sabah. The club were only formed in 2017 and haven’t made it to this stage of European competition before, having previously been knocked out of both the Europa League and Conference League during the qualifying stages.
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Michael Carrick’s side will head into the game expecting to win comfortably, but there will be no room for complacency given the need to claim all three points. Far sterner tests are on the horizon, including trips to take on the likes of Atletico Madrid and FC Porto, as well as tricky home fixtures against German giants Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.
Heading into their clash against Sabah, the Red Devils are in distinctly mixed form, having picked up four points from their opening three Premier League matches with an opening day defeat to Hull City, a win over Ipswich Town, and a draw with Everton. Ahead of Thursday night’s clash at Old Trafford, we’ve got the latest Man United injury news update.
Manchester United injury news update
Matthijs de Ligt has been greatly missed in Manchester United's back lineplaceholder image
Matthijs de Ligt has been greatly missed in Manchester United's back line | Getty Images
Amad Diallo: The Ivory Coast international has missed all three of United’s matches so far this season, after picking up an unspecified foot injury. He’s not yet returned to training, and it looks like he may well not feature until after upcoming international break, potentially missing another four games before coming back to face Tottenham on 10th October.
Matthijs de Ligt: United have sorely missed the Dutch defender since he suffered a serious back injury last November. The good news is that he’s now believed to be back in training and is making great strides towards recovery. However, he likely won’t be rushed into action before the international break, with the Spurs game also his most likely return date.
Carlos Baleba: Carrick will be hopeful of seeing his new summer signing making his debut before the international break, as he continues to shake off an ankle injury he was already carrying when he joined the club from Brighton last month. Like with De Ligt and Amad, a return before the international break looks a little optimistic, but he should be fine to face Spurs.
Will Rashford play against Sabah?
Marcus Rashford is expected to be United's regular starting forward on the left flank this seasonplaceholder image
Marcus Rashford is expected to be United's regular starting forward on the left flank this season | Carl Recine/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford:The England international was substituted on the 69th minute mark against Everton, with Carrick later revealing the forward was experiencing some unspecified discomfort. He should be clear to face Sabah on Thursday, but may start from the bench to ensure he doesn’t needlessly aggravate his complaint any further.
Manuel Ugarte: United won’t have the Uruguay international back for some time, after he suffered an ACL injury during the 2026 World Cup earlier this summer - a competition which saw his side eliminated at the group stage after humbling draws with Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. As things stand, he won’t be seen in a United shirt again until at least March.
Tom Heaton: After picking up a hamstring injury in pre-season, it’s all gone very quiet on the veteran goalkeepers current condition. The 40-year-old made a grand total of three appearances in his previous five seasons at the club, having to settle for the role of third-choice goalkeeper and helping to fulfil the club’s ‘homegrown’ quota.
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