Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Manchester United host Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK in their Champions League opener on Thursday night.
Sabah FK were founded just nine years ago, but this week they travel to Old Trafford after securing Champions League qualification for the first time in their history.
It will be United’s first time competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition since the 2023/24 season, but now there’s a league phase rather than the traditional group stage.
That means United have eight opponents to play in the Champions League over the coming months. Here are five interesting facts ahead of the opening match against Sabah FK.
Sabah FK manager Valdas Dambrauskas
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
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Historic first meeting
United have never played against a club from Azerbaijan.
That means the tie against Sabah will be a historic one, especially for the visitors.
Fellow Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham previously played Azerbaijani clubs in the Champions League and Europa League.
Unbeaten English record vs Azerbaijani clubs
English clubs have a perfect record against Azerbaijani clubs in European competition.
11 matches
10 wins
1 draw
0 defeats
Qarabag FK is the most frequently faced Azerbaijani opponent by Premier League clubs, but they’ve been dethroned by Sabah, despite an impressive European campaign last term.
United are expected to build on that unbeaten English record against Azerbaijani sides by beating Sabah on Thursday night.
Valdas Dambrauskas began his coaching career at Manchester United Soccer Schools
There have been many stories published about Sabah manager Valdas Dambrauskas in the build-up to the game, including an appearance on the Lithuanian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
Interestingly, the Lithuanian’s career as a coach began over 20 years ago with Manchester United Soccer Schools.
Speaking to BBC Sport about the match, Dambrauskas said: “This is beyond my imagination. To go through that tunnel on to that pitch.
“I’ve been many times to Old Trafford with the kids, and now I’m going to come as a coach.”
Sabah FK goal record
Sabah will be looking to exploit United defensively at Old Trafford after scoring in 13 consecutive competition matches across all competitions.
United have conceded two goals in each of their three matches this season.
That means Senne Lammens is looking for his first clean sheet of the season.
Man Utd’s current top scorer in the Champions League
Marcus Rashford is United’s current top scorer in the Champions League.
The England international has scored 17 goals in the Champions League over the years, including five for Barcelona last term.
Rashford has yet to score a goal since returning from Barcelona on loan, but his performances have been impressive.
It goes without saying that Rashford will be eager to add to his tally on Thursday night.