Manchester United will take on Sabah on Thursday night as they welcome the Champions League back to Old Trafford for the first time since 2023.
The Red Devils have never played against the club before, as the Azerbaijan side was only formed in 2017.
Here are three plot lines to get the blood racing ahead of United’s return to Europe’s premier competition.
Historic tie
The Red Devils have never played against a team from Azerbaijan before, making this a historic tie.
Qarabağ FK are certainly the team from this country with the most European experience, as they have played numerous times in the Champions League.
In fact, they made it to the knockout stages last season but were soundly beaten by Newcastle United on aggregate.
Sabah themselves have some experience in Europe in recent years in the Conference and Europa League, but this is the first time they have made it past the qualifying stage.
Champions League debut for many United stars
Owing to the fact that United have not played in the Champions League since a 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in December 2023, this will be many players’ first taste of the competition.
In-form attacker Bryan Mbeumo has never played in the competition before, and neither has goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Defender Leny Yoro has also never played in the Champions League, having only experienced the Conference League with LOSC Lille and the Europa League with Manchester United during his first season at the club.
Michael Carrick’s perfect record
Carrick played many games in the Champions League as a player.
In fact, he won the competition in 2008 and reached two more finals with the Red Devils in 2009 and 2011.
He has little experience as a manager in Europe, but the one match he has had, he won.
During his first spell as caretaker manager in 2021, he guided United to a vital 2-0 win away from home against Spanish side Villarreal.
This will also be a big night, as it will be Carrick’s first European game at home as United manager.
Featured image by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
