Manchester United have announced their starting lineup for the opening match of the group stage in the Champions League against Azerbaijani side Sabah. The match kicks off today, September 10, at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick has made some key changes from recent games, with the standout decision being to hand Benjamin Shezko his first start for the club.
Manchester United starting lineup
Goalkeeper:
Senne Lammens
Defenders:
Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu
Midfielders:
Yuri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo
Attackers:
Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Mateus Cunha
Striker:
Benjamin Shezko
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
This match sees Shezko make his Champions League debut in the starting eleven for United, following a successful cameo appearance where he scored his first goal for the club in the previous match against Everton. Carrick has clearly decided to trust him from the get-go.
In midfield, Tielemans will be partnered by Mainoo, while Fernandes assumes a position just behind the striker. Mbeumo and Cunha will operate from the flanks.
Defensively, Carrick has opted for Mazraoui, Yoro, Martinez, and Dorgu, with Lammens retaining his place in goal.
However, United face a significant injury list with Matthias de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Carlos Baleba, and Amad Diallo all unavailable. Marcus Rashford has also been left out of the starting lineup.
Sabah starting lineup
Goalkeeper:
Stas Pokatilov
Defenders:
Akim Zedadka, Rahman Dashdamirov, McCarthy, Tymoteusz Puchacz
Midfielders:
Umarali Rahmonaliev, Ivan Lepinitsa
Forward group:
Perris, Alexey Isaev, Simic
Striker:
Joy-Lance Mikels
Like United, Sabah are also set to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation.
This is a historic match for Sabah, as it marks their debut in the Champions League group stage. Having successfully navigated the qualification rounds, they now have the chance to play at one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums—Old Trafford.
For Manchester United, this encounter represents their first Champions League match in three years. Coming off a 2-2 draw with Everton in the Premier League, Carrick's men will be eager to kick off their European campaign with a victory.
