Manchester United are back in the Champions League for the first time since their disappointing group stage exit back in December 2023. While this feels like a lifetime ago, United have gone on a real journey since then filled largely with disappointment in Europe, but they return this year with the new format to contend with, and an expectation to show their quality and progress to the knockout rounds. Up first is arguably their kindest fixture of the group stage, at least on paper, as they take on Sabah FK of Azerbaijan.

In our preview of the game we are going to take a look at the team news coming into the game including our predicted XI for this one, we will have a look at some of the key battles and players to watch and then of course we will make a prediction for how this one could play out.

If you have any thoughts on how this game might play out, or have any thoughts or opinions on Manchester United’s season in general, get in touch with us on our social media platforms, Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner), Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).

Team News

United have some decisions to make for their selection in this clash, as of course the return to the Champions League, the recent disappointment of a draw against Everton and wanting to start their Champions League campaign with a win is all key to their season getting underway, however, there is a huge game just days later against rivals Manchester City, and so Michael Carrick will need to make decisions over rotation and selection.

In terms of availability, there’s a question mark over Luke Shaw and new arrival Baleba is likely to miss out, along witht the longer term absentees of De Ligt and Ugarte, but otherwise a largely clean bill of health for Carrick to select from.

Benjamin Sesko could be in for his first start after missing pre-season and being limited to just cameos thus far, he got his scoring underway against Everton and could well be in from the start and brings a question over the Cunha/Rashford debate down the left side of the attack.

Predicted XI: Lammens, Dorgu, Martinez, Maguire, Dalot, Tielemans, Mainoo, Rashford, Fernandes, Mbeumo, Sesko

Key Battles

The key for United in this clash is to start strong and get going from the outset. With a pumped up home crowd and playing a weaker opponent, anything but a strong start could get the crowd to dampen or even turn against the team a little bit, and so seeing the determination will be crucial.

While United will be heavy favourites for the clash, they’ve been embarrassed in recent years by some smaller teams in cup competitions, and so this level of complacency from the players needs to be fully eliminated as there’s no doubt Sabah will be well up for the clash and the atmosphere will rile up this opposition who will be dreaming of a major upset.

While I predict a fairly comfortable win for United which I will mention shortly, I think a key feature of this game will be players getting goals. I think Rashford and Sesko should be starting this game as both need goals to build confidence. While Sesko got his campaign underway against Everton, a run of goals will boost his confidence after missing pre-season, while Rashford has put in some solid performances so far back at United, but is yet to find the back of the net.

Prediction

Manchester United should have too much quality in this one, and set themselves up nicely for a big week of action with some huge games to come prior to the international break. Although their season domestically has been up and down, their recent performances have shown they should be able to start their returning campaign in the Champions League off with a comfortable victory in front of a home crowd.

I’m going for a 3 goal victory and a clean sheet, as I think United may struggle initially to break down their opponents, but once the first goal goes in, it could lead to a comfortable night as a few players look to get on the scoresheet and build some momentum.

Manchester United 3-0 Sabah

Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us on our social platforms, and let us know your predictions for this weekend’s game.