Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Manchester United would be naive to underestimate any team in the Champions League, including Thursday night’s opponents Sabah FK.
On paper, Manchester United are far superior to Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK.
The same could be said for Hull City and Everton, yet Michael Carrick’s side was unable to beat them in the Premier League, marking a slow start to the 2026/27 campaign.
Here are three reasons why Carrick should name a strong United line-up against Sabah FK.
Michael Carrick press conference with Bryan Mbeumo
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Winning will boost momentum after a slow start
United have four points from a possible nine in the Premier League, but the only way to raise spirits around Old Trafford is by winning football matches.
Carrick will name a side he believes will get the desired result over Sabah, but there’s no point taking risks with his team selection based on United being better equipped to compete in the Champions League than their opponents, who have only existed for nine years.
There are likely to be several changes to the team, but I wouldn’t expect Harry Amass to start. It’s a good opportunity for Marcus Rashford to score his first goal of the season, or maybe for Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo to add to their season tally.
Benjamin Sesko could also start to prepare himself for the Manchester derby on Sunday.
Man Utd don’t want a repeat of the 2023/24 Champions League campaign
The 2023/24 Champions League campaign was disappointing for United.
Erik ten Hag’s side finished bottom of Group A with just four points from six matches against Bayern Munich, Galatasaray, and FC Copenhagen.
❌ Manchester United’s results in the 2023/24 Champions League
Bayern Munich 4-3 Manchester United
Manchester United 2-3 Galatasaray
Manchester United 1-0 FC Copenhagen
FC Copenhagen 4-3 Manchester United
Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United
Manchester United 0-1 Bayern Munich
United threw away a lot of their games in Europe that season, with a woeful defensive record of 15 goals conceded.
It also marked the second time in the club’s history that they finished bottom of their Champions League group, though there’s now a league phase format.
United must avoid complacency to ensure a smoother European campaign. Taking an aggressive approach against Sabah FK from kick-off will be vital to securing a convincing result.
No need for wholesale changes after three games
With United’s ageing and injury-prone players being an exception, Carrick doesn’t need to worry about fatigue after playing just three matches.
That applies to Luke Shaw, who missed training on Thursday, as well as Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.
But players like Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans need games together and shouldn’t require a rest after three matches, even if the game against Sabah is played three days before the Manchester derby. That is the only way to build on their chemistry on the pitch.