2026-2027 Champions League: Manchester United vs. Sabah Baku, Probable Lineups

Manchester United makes its Champions League debut at 9 p.m. at Old Trafford against Sabah Baku in a match counting toward the first matchday of the group stage. The Red Devils, who have had a mixed start to the league season and are coming off an away draw with Everton, face the Owls, who are making their debut in Europe’s top club competition. The Azerbaijanis, who have won their first three domestic league matches, qualified for the Champions League thanks to a playoff victory over Hapoel Beer Sheva.

Carrick is expected to rely on Cunha up front, supported by Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, and Rashford. Tielemans and Mainoo will anchor the midfield. Dalot and Shaw will be the two fullbacks. De Ligt will not play: the Dutchman, who has been struggling with back problems, returned to training in August but is not yet in top form.

The team led by Dambrauskas will field Mickels as the center forward, with Parris, Simić, and Nwachukwu behind him. The two midfielders are Rakhmonaliyev and Lepinjica.

Manchester United vs. Sabah: Probable Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Shaw; Tielemans, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha. Head Coach: Carrick.
Sabah (4-2-3-1): Pokatilov; Zedadka, Solvet, Dashdamirov, Puchacz; Rakhmonaliyev, Lepinjica; Parris, Simić, Nwachukwu; Mickels. Head Coach: Dambrauskas.

United coach Carrick had this to say at the press conference on the eve of the match: “It’s where we’d all like to be. When you’re out of it, you realize how special it is, and when you’re in it, you want to make the most of it. I think we’ve all experienced truly special nights and felt special emotions in this competition over the years. Winning the Champions League was the pinnacle for me and the best feeling I’ve ever had. It would be great to relive that one day.”