3 Key Changes: Predicted 4-2-3-1 Manchester United Lineup vs Sabah FK| UCL
Manchester United return to Champions League football after almost three years on Thursday night when they welcome tournament debutants Sabah FK at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick’s men have made an inconsistent start to the new campaign so far, winning one, drawing one and losing the other of their three Premier League matches thus far. They missed out on making back-to-back wins on Sunday after conceding a 96th minute equaliser against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Four points from three games leaves the Red Devils sat 11th in the Premier League table ahead of their eagerly anticipated return to Europe’s elite competition. Visiting the red half of Manchester are Sabah FK, who are making their first-ever appearance in the league phase of a European competition after being crowned champions of Azerbaijan for the first time in their short history last term.
Manchester United Team News
Marcus Rashford was spotted in training, despite being withdrawn in the second half of the 2-2 draw at Everton on Sunday. Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt did not train with the group, due to having designated rest days.
During his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Michael Carrick stated that no decision has been taken over whether Shaw will start against Sabah. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo, Carlos Baleba and Manuel Ugarte remain sidelined for Manchester United.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Sabah FK (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Senne Lammens will be raring to put in an improved display after getting beaten at the near post by Tyrique George’s rasping drive on Sunday. He should be looking to kick off Man United’s Champions League campaign with a clean sheet.
Defence
Carrick might opt to bench Shaw to manage his fitness levels, with Noussair Mazraoui replacing the England international at left-back in the Manchester United lineup. Diogo Dalot should continue at right-back.
Man United have failed to keep a clean sheet in either of their three games thus far, yet Carrick is expected to stick with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in central defence.
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven could be called upon in the second half if required.
Midfield
If Carrick decides to freshen things up in midfield, Andrey Santos will get the nod to replace Youri Tielemans in the Manchester United lineup. The Brazilian could partner Kobbie Mainoo in the hosts’ engine room, tasked with controlling the tempo of play and creating opportunities for the forwards.
Bruno Fernandes is the creative brain of the side. The Portuguese international possesses the skill-set to unlock the Sabah defence.
Mason Mount and Tielemans could offer energy and experience from the bench if called upon.
Attack
Carrick is unlikely to take a risk by starting Rashford here, which might see Matheus Cunha move to the left from a central position.
Benjamin Sesko, who came off the bench and scored in the 2-2 draw with Everton, is likely to be rewarded with a start up top in the Manchester United lineup.
Bryan Mbeumo scored a brilliant goal against Everton on Sunday and will want to mark his Champions League debut by getting on the scoresheet.
Patrick Dorgu’s pace and directness will be a potent weapon off the bench against a tiring Sabah defence.