Premier League side Manchester United begin their campaign in the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League when they welcome Azerbaijan side Sabah Baku to the Old Trafford Stadium in their first game in the competition since the 2023/24 season.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown for the September 10 encounter.
Man United vs Sabah Baku match preview
Man United enter this clash hoping to kickoff their European campaign with a victory against the Azerbaijan minnows. The Red Devils last played in the Champions League in 2023 and will be aiming to mark their return to the competition with a victory. Michael Carrick’s side finished third iin the Premier League last season to book their place and have already started the season in inconsistent form.
They suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Hull City in their first match, before they bounced back with a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town in their second game. The three-time European champions were held to a 2-2 draw by Everton in their last match, after conceding a stoppage time goal to deny them victory.
It’s #UCL week ✨
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 8, 2026
Sabah Baku, meanwhile, have never played in the Champions League and will be making their debut in this encounter. The club was only founded in 2017 and have become the youngest club to feature in the competition after defeating Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the playoff rounds to qualify for the league phase.
They also defeated the likes of TNS, KuPS and Danish side Aarhus on their path to qualifying for the biggest club competition in European football.
Man United vs Sabah Head-to-Head
This meeting will mark a first ever matchup between these two sides.
Best betting odds
Home (Man United) to Win – 1.15 (via 1xBet)
The boss is already looking ahead to Thursday’s Champions League encounter 👊 pic.twitter.com/33y6NbI2KP
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 6, 2026
Prediction
Manchester United have enough quality in the team to overpower Sabah and ease to a comfortable win on their return to the Champions League.
Recent form: Man United
The Premier League side have been inconsistent in their matches so far this season, recording one win from three games, while losing one and also recording a draw.
The Red Devils have not kept a clean sheet in any of these matches, and they have conceded an average of two goals per game during this run.
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Recent form: Sabah Baku
Sabah Baku have been very impressive in recent outings, winning all of their last three games across all competitions and five of the last six as well.
The Azerbaijan side have also kept a clean sheet in their last two games, and they have scored in each of their last 14 matches as well.
Player to watch
Bryan Mbeumo (Man United)
Bryan Mbeumo at Man United: career, salary, market value and more
The Cameroon forward will be hoping to mark his Champions League debut with a goal and continue his fine start to the season for the three-time European champions.
Bryan Mbeumo’s pace and ability to find spaces inside the box could prove too much to handle for the Sabah defence in the clash.
