Manchester United make their return to Europe's biggest stage for the first time in three seasons, as they take on European newcomers Sabah from Azerbaijan.
The Red Devils were absent from European football in general last season, the first time since 2014/15 where at that time they were under the management of Louis van Gaal. Michael Carrick guided the home side to a third place finish in the Premier League following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. United's campaign in the Champions League this season is an English record with 26 campaigns in total since the rebranding of the competition.
In 2023/24, the Red Devils put on a poor showing in the old format finishing bottom of a group which consisted of Copenhagen, Galatasaray and Bayern Munich, thanks in large part to the dreadful performances of Andre Onana.
The Red Devils last won this competition back in 2008 and they come into this game following dramatic scenes at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where the hosts for this fixture squandered a lead late on.
Sabah are the new boys in this competition and have already played eight times in this competition leading up to the dream tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Azerbaijani outfit have beaten TNS, KuPS, Aarhus and Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the 2026-27 Champions League qualifying rounds to secure a spot at this stage for the first time, and they will enter the match off the back of a thumping 5-0 win over Zira in the league.
No one is expecting Sabah to win this fixture, but the new boys will be fearing no one, especially against a Manchester United side that seemingly can't keep a clean sheet. No doubt, Michael Carrick will look to rotate given the Manchester derby takes place on Sunday and someone in line to start will be Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko has been recovering from an injury from last season, sustained against Liverpool and has featured from the bench thus far. The Slovenian striker scored from the bench against Everton at the weekend, although his late header was cancelled out by a wonderful strike from Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Although you can't call anything with Manchester United these days, surely they will overcome new boys Sabah but don't be surprised if Sabah sting the Red Devils with an early goal before Manchester United run out 3-1 winners.
Manchester United 3-1 Sabah
