Michael Carrick faces a selection dilemma at Old Trafford, weighing crucial squad rotation against European ambitions as Mason Mount nears a return and Benjamin Šeško eyes his first start of the season.
Man Utd vs Sabah preview!
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Manchester United are preparing for their return to the Champions League on Thursday evening, with the Reds set to play in Europe's top competition for the first time since December 2023.
United enjoyed a strong Premier League campaign last season, finishing third under Michael Carrick. However, their start to the new season has been less convincing, with a defeat against Hull City followed by victory over Ipswich Town and a late draw with Everton.
Sabah FK will now visit Old Trafford as United begin their Champions League campaign, with Carrick's side hoping to make a positive start to their European schedule.
The timing of the fixture could prove significant, though, with Manchester City next up at Old Trafford. Carrick will therefore have to consider rotating his squad against Sabah with the Manchester derby just around the corner.
United predicted XI vs Sabah
Carrick made some pretty bold choices the last time he managed United in the Champions League, dropping Bruno Fernandes away against Villarreal and winning the game 2-0 while interim manager in 2021.
This time around, while changes are still expected, it wouldn't be surprising to see a few of United's core players start. Senne Lammens will almost certainly remain in goal despite criticisms of his performance against Everton on the weekend.
As for the back four, Luke Shaw's availability is in question after he was given a rest day on Wednesday, meaning Noussair Mazraoui may be deployed at left-back to cover for him.
This would see Diogo Dalot continue at right-back, while the centre-backs may be changed ahead of the Manchester Derby. Given the high-pressing nature of Sabah, Lisandro Martínez may continue, but could be paired with Leny Yoro to rest Harry Maguire.
In midfield, Mason Mount could be handed his first competitive minutes of the season after returning to the squad. He looked brilliant alongside Andrey Santos in pre-season, and both players could start in the middle of the park.
This would then allow Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans, who have started the last two games together, time to rest and recover ahead of the clash against Man City on the weekend.
Bruno Fernandes will probably remain as the team's attacking midfielder for the fixture, although the attackers ahead of him may be switch up.
Marcus Rashford is back in training, but given he looks set to start on the weekend, Patrick Dorgu may be preferred on the left flank, while Benjamin Šeško could be handed his first start of the season after recovering from a shin problem that saw him miss the summer.
On the right-hand side, given that Bryan Mbeumo held the press conference with Michael Carrick on Wednesday afternoon, it's safe to assume the Cameroon international will be making his Champions League debut.
United predicted XI vs Sabah: Lammens, Dalot, Yoro, Martínez, Mazraoui, Santos, Mount, Fernandes, Dorgu, Šeško, Mbeumo.