LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, speaks with his players during a break in play in the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England.
Manchester United have taken to the grass at Carrington this morning in preparation for their midweek Champions League opener.
The Red Devils kick off their UCL campaign at home to reigning Azerbaijan league champions Sabah tomorrow night at 8pm.
How are United faring in the lead-up to Thursday’s tie?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England.
In their opening three league fixtures, Sabah have scored eight goals without conceding once.
Meanwhile, United have got off to a mixed start in the Premier League, having won, drawn and lost thus far.
Michael Carrick’s side have conceded two goals in each game, with two matches being against newly-promoted opposition in the form of Ipswich Town and Hull City.
Gameweek Result One Hull 2-0 United Two United 5-2 Ipswich Three Everton 2-2 United
Alas, it’s imperative the Reds start their European journey on the right foot with a dominant showing on Thursday evening – especially with them being on home turf.
Carrick’s team news for United vs Sabah
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during the warm up before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England.
Journalists have been able to divulge some team news ahead of the clash as Carrick navigates some ongoing injuries to players.
Amad Diallo, for example, is still recovering from a minor problem he sustained in pre-season, while Matthijs de Ligt has yet to make his full return to training following the back injury that ended his 2025/2026 term in November last year.
#mufc players present at training this morning: Lammens, Darlow, Mee, Honor. Dalot, Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Heaven, Martinez, Amass. Santos, Mount, Tielemans, Mainoo, Fernandes, Thwaites. Dorgu, Cunha, Rashford, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Lacey, Sesko. [@ManUtdMEN] — utdreport (@utdreport) September 9, 2026
One major positive is that Marcus Rashford was involved with the group after he was hooked on the 70-minute mark at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.
Carrick confirmed post-match that Rashford, who’s since been hailed for his ‘outstanding’ and ‘sharp’ performance, felt some discomfort and was subsequently withdrawn.
Marcus Rashford at #mufc training this morning pic.twitter.com/I5jQC1m4Nb — Danyal Khan (@DanyalHKhan) September 9, 2026
Luke Shaw, United’s only out-and-out senior left-back, is absent. However, this is only due to him being granted a ‘designated rest day’, as per BBC Sport’s Simon Stone.
Young full-back Harry Amass also took part as he awaits his first minutes under Carrick.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Omar Berrada, CEO of Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, CEO of INEOS group, look on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Enzo Maresca, Manager of Manchester City, looks on before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Crystal Palace FC and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on August 28, 2026 in London, England.
HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United looks on before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Hull City and Manchester United at MKM Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Hull, England.