Manchester United will begin their 2026/27 Champions League campaign on Thursday night when they welcome Azerbaijani outfit Sabah to Old Trafford.
The fixture marks United’s return to Europe’s premier club competition after a three-season absence and provides their supporters with another opportunity to see the club compete on the biggest stage in European football.
It will also be a historic occasion for Sabah, who are appearing in the Champions League league phase for the first time in their history.
Manchester United were absent from European competition altogether during the 2025/26 campaign, marking the first time they had failed to participate in continental football since the 2014/15 season.
Their return to the Champions League is therefore significant, particularly given the club’s remarkable history in the competition.
United head into their European opener following a disappointing 2-2 draw against Everton on Sunday. The result leaves them with just four points from their opening three Premier League matches.
Sabah, meanwhile, have already been involved in a remarkable Champions League journey this season.
The Azerbaijani club began their campaign in the qualifying rounds back in July and have already played eight matches in the competition before reaching the league phase.
Sabah defeated TNS, KuPS, Aarhus and Hapoel Be’er Sheva during the qualifying stages to secure their historic place among Europe’s elite.
Their progress represents a major achievement for the club, who will now face one of the most decorated sides in Champions League history.
Sabah will also arrive in Manchester full of confidence after recording an emphatic 5-0 victory over Zira in their domestic league.
That result provides the visitors with plenty of momentum ahead of their biggest European test to date.
The Red Devils possess considerably more experience at this level, while playing at Old Trafford should provide an additional advantage.
Sabah will be determined to make their first Champions League league-phase appearance memorable, but United will be expected to use their superior European pedigree to secure three points and begin their campaign on a winning note.
Team News
Man United will again be without the services of Matthijs de Ligt (back), Manuel Ugarte (knee), Carlos Baleba (ankle), Amad Diallo (ankle) and Tom Heaton (hamstring) for their Champions League opener with Sabah.
Sabah, meanwhile, have a fully-fit squad for the European clash at Old Trafford.
Joy-Lance Mickels has been in outstanding form this season, scoring eight goals and registering one assist in 11 appearances, and the 32-year-old will feature in the final third of the field.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Mazraoui; Santos, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Sabah possible starting lineup:
Pokatilov; Solvet, Dashdamirov, Puchacz, Zedadka; Rakhmonaliev, Isaev, Lepinjica, Parris; Mickels, Simic
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | dstv stream |
| Kick-off Time | 8:00pm (WAT) |
Match Predictions
Softfootball reported Manchester United 2-0 Sabah
