2026-27 UEFA Champions League: League Phase – Man Utd vs Sabah

Manchester United kick off their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a league-phase fixture against Sabah. 

Utd are returning to the competition after a two-season absence, whilst Sabah overcame four qualifying rounds to secure their spot in the league phase for the first time.

 

Team News

Marcus Rashford is a doubt for Man Utd after he suffered a knock during their 2-2 draw at Everton in the Premier League last Sunday.

Carlos Baleba (ankle), Amad Diallo (ankle/muscle), Tom Heaton (knock), Matthijs De Ligt (back) and Manuel Ugarte (knee) are still sidelined.

Sabah will be without midfielder, Khayal Aliyev as he continues his recovery from a serious hamstring injury.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Man Utd host Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday 10 September at 8pm BST, live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Man Utd’s first-ever meeting against Sabah in all competitions.
• Sabah are making their maiden visit to Man Utd at Old Trafford in any competition.
• This tie marks Man Utd’s first Champions League meeting against Azerbaijan opposition, and likewise for Sabah who have never met English opposition before.
• Bryan Mbeumo has scored in both of Man Utd’s last two matches (W1, D1).
• Veljko Simic has scored in each of Sabah’s last three Champions League away matches (W1, L2).

 

Prediction

Having frustratingly twice thrown away narrow leads at Everton on Sunday, Man Utd really need to sort out their defensive play because they can’t afford to keep giving away goals because if a team can nullify their attack, they will then be in trouble but this is bit of an unknown for them.

Sabah likewise are entering unchartered territory in terms of facing new opposition for the first time and despite keeping four clean sheets in their eight qualifying games, there is no doubting their own attacking quality and especially from Simic who will be an issue for Utd’s defence.

I frankly don’t see this ending goalless such is the defensive vulnerabilities in both teams but at home, Utd really should win this comfortably with their quality.

Prediction: Man Utd 3-1 Sabah