Manchester United vs Sabah FA

Manchester United return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2023/24 season when they welcome Sabah FK to Old Trafford on Thursday. The Azerbaijani side are making their debut in Europe’s premier competition after coming through four qualifying ties, an impressive achievement considering they were only founded nine years ago. However, the gulf in experience and squad quality is enormous, with United unsurprisingly installed as overwhelming favourites to begin their European campaign with a victory.

Despite United’s strong home record, Sabah could still have a say in the goals market. Michael Carrick’s side have endured an inconsistent start to the season, collecting just four points from their opening three league games while conceding six goals. United have won their only home fixture, a 5-2 success against Ipswich, and have won nine of their last 10 competitive games at Old Trafford. However, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven home matches, which could give the visitors encouragement to attack.

Sabah have shown a consistent ability to find the net, scoring in defeats to Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Aarhus during qualifying and in each of their last 14 competitive matches dating back to last season. They are likely to be cautious for long periods, but with United showing defensive weaknesses, a consolation goal could be within their reach. Ultimately, though, the Red Devils should have far too much attacking quality and could run riot. United have already scored five against Ipswich and also put five past Rosenborg in pre-season, making a 5-1 victory a reasonable correct-score prediction.

Marcus Rashford will also be eager to make his mark after failing to score since returning to Old Trafford. Thursday’s fixture presents an excellent opportunity for the England forward to end that drought, particularly given his strong Champions League record during his loan spell at Barcelona last season. Rashford scored five goals in 11 European appearances for the Catalan club and should have plenty of opportunities against a Sabah defence likely to spend much of the evening under pressure. He is one of several United players who could get on the scoresheet in what should be a comfortable home victory.