Advertisement
Carrick warns Manchester United of confident Sabah ahead of Champions League return
10th September, 2026 08:43 AM
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expects Sabah to provide a difficult test when the two teams meet in the UEFA Champions League at Old Trafford on Thursday evening, September 10, 2026.
Sabah, the reigning champions of Azerbaijan, will be appearing in the competition for the first time after securing their first domestic league title last season.
The Azerbaijani side have also had to negotiate four qualifying rounds to earn a place in the league phase, setting up an unfamiliar challenge for United in their opening European fixture.
Thursday’s encounter will be the first competitive meeting between the clubs. Despite Sabah’s relative unfamiliarity to United, Carrick has studied their approach and believes they are a well-organised side under coach Valdas Dambrauskas.
Dambrauskas also has a connection with Manchester United, having previously worked within the club’s Academy system around 20 years ago.
Speaking during his pre-match media briefing on Wednesday, Carrick praised Sabah’s organisation and consistency.
“First of all, I think they’re a very well-coached team, you can see that quite clearly with the ideas and the principles they have, that are repeatable,” Carrick told reporters at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
He also pointed to the confidence Sabah have gained from their strong run of results over the past year.
“They have obviously won a lot of football matches over the last 12 months or so, they are playing with a lot of confidence. You can see the way they take the ball and play through the pitch.
“They have some really good connections and press well as a team, so we are fully aware of what we are up against and the challenge that we face.”
United eager to make Champions League return count
The fixture carries added significance for United, who are returning to Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since the 2023/24 campaign.
Carrick, who was part of the United side that won the Champions League in 2008, understands the importance of the tournament to the club and its supporters.
While pleased to see United back among Europe’s leading teams, the manager made it clear that simply qualifying is not enough for his squad.
“It’s a magical competition, where we all want to be,” Carrick continued. “When you’re out of it, you realise how special it is and when you’re in it, you want to make the most of it.
“We’ve all seen some special nights and felt some special things in this competition over the years; it’s where we want to be. It’s the best competition to challenge yourself and to push against the best.
“We’re delighted to be here, but we’re not here to just enjoy the occasion; we’re here to do business and go as far as we possibly can.”
United will therefore approach their opening league-phase match with ambitions of starting their European campaign strongly, rather than treating Sabah’s visit as merely a celebration of their return to the Champions League.
