Manchester United return to the UEFA Champions League on Thursday, September 10, when they host Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK at Old Trafford.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM Nigerian time.
It will be United’s first Champions League campaign in three seasons, while Sabah are appearing at this level of European football for the first time.
Match Details
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Kick-off: 8:00 PM WAT
Venue: Old Trafford
Fixture: Manchester United vs Sabah FK
Manchester United Preview
United enter their Champions League opener after a dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw against Everton.
The Red Devils currently have four points from their opening three league matches and will be determined to make a strong start in Europe.
Michael Carrick’s team will be expected to control the game against a Sabah side with significantly less Champions League experience.
Bruno Fernandes remains one of United’s most important players, while Benjamin Sesko could be given a starting role after scoring against Everton.
Sabah FK Preview
Sabah have already played eight Champions League matches this season because of the qualifying rounds.
The Azerbaijani champions defeated TNS, KuPS, Aarhus and Hapoel Be’er Sheva to reach the league phase.
They have also made an excellent start domestically, winning their opening three league matches and recently defeating Zira 5-0.
Joy-Lance Mickels and Veljko Simic will be among the players United must watch closely.
Team News
Manchester United will be without Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Carlos Baleba, Amad Diallo and Tom Heaton.
Marcus Rashford is also being assessed after picking up a slight issue against Everton.
Sabah have a fully fit squad available for the historic fixture.
Expected Lineups
Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Mazraoui; Santos, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
Sabah: Pokatilov; Solvet, Dashdamirov, Puchacz, Zedadka; Rakhmonaliev, Isaev, Lepinjica, Parris; Mickels, Simic.
Manchester United vs Sabah Prediction
United should have too much quality for the visitors, but their defensive problems mean Sabah could create chances.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Sabah FK
1X2: Manchester United win
Correct Score: 3-1
Over/Under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals
BTTS: Yes
Final Verdict
Sabah deserve credit for reaching the Champions League, but Old Trafford should be a difficult environment for them. United are expected to begin their European campaign with victory.