Manchester United Prepare for Champions League Match Against Sabah
Manchester United were back out on the grass at Carrington this morning, sharpening up for a European night that already feels like it carries weight.
Michael Carrick’s side launch their Champions League campaign tomorrow at Old Trafford, hosting Azerbaijan champions Sabah in an 8pm kick-off. On paper, it looks like a gentle start. Sabah’s form says otherwise.
The visitors have flown out of the blocks domestically, hitting eight goals in their first three league fixtures without conceding once. United, by contrast, are still searching for rhythm. Three Premier League games have brought one win, one draw and one defeat, with two of those outings coming against newly-promoted Ipswich Town and Hull City.
Carrick’s men have let in two goals in every league game so far. For a club that talks openly about setting the tone in Europe, that has to tighten – and quickly.
Tomorrow, with Old Trafford watching, there is little margin for a slow start.
Rashford boost as United count the cost
The training pitch offered a mixture of encouragement and concern for Carrick.
The headline positive: Marcus Rashford trained with the group. The forward was withdrawn around the 70-minute mark at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday after feeling some discomfort, prompting a few anxious glances. Carrick later explained that the change was precautionary, and Rashford’s inclusion today backs that up.
His display at the weekend drew praise as “outstanding” and “sharp” – the kind of performance United will want leading their front line as they try to lay down a marker in Europe.
At the back, though, there are still gaps. Matthijs de Ligt remains on the comeback trail and has not yet fully returned to training after the back injury that ended his 2025/26 season last November. Amad Diallo is also still working his way back from a minor issue picked up in pre-season.
Luke Shaw, United’s only established senior left-back, did not feature in today’s session either – but this time the absence is planned. He has been granted a designated rest day, according to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, rather than being sidelined by injury.
Youngsters in the frame
The roll call at Carrington underlined both the depth and the ongoing reshaping of Carrick’s squad.
Those present this morning included goalkeepers Lammens and Darlow; defenders Mee, Honor, Dalot, Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Heaven, Martinez and Amass; midfielders Santos, Mount, Tielemans, Mainoo, Fernandes and Thwaites; and attacking options Dorgu, Cunha, Rashford, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Lacey and Sesko.
One name to watch is Harry Amass. The young full-back trained again as he waits for his first minutes under Carrick. With Shaw resting and the schedule about to intensify, his opportunity may not be far away.
United know what’s at stake. A clean, dominant home performance against Sabah would not just put three points on the board – it would send a message that their European ambitions this season are more than just talk.
