Manchester United vs Sabah LIVE commentary: Red Devils handed unique date for Champions League opener

Manchester United make their long-awaited Champions League return with an unusual Thursday night clash.

The Red Devils are appearing in UEFA’s premier club competition for the first time since 2023.

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It follows their third place finish in the Premier League last term, having failed to qualify for Europe at all the season prior.

Michael Carrick’s side kick-off their league phase campaign at home to Azeri champions Sabah.

The match has been scheduled for Thursday night, a rarity in the Champions League.

Fixtures are typically played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with Thursdays reserved for the Europa League and Conference League.

However, matchday one of the Champions League sees matches spread across three dates, with neither of the other competitions starting this week.

As a result, United’s is one of six matches being played on Thursday.

How to follow Man United vs Sabah

The Red Devils welcome Sabah to Old Trafford on Thursday, September 10.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm, with live commentary available on talkSPORT.

Natalie Sawyer will present coverage of the match from 7pm with commentary from Sam Matterface and former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan.

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Man United vs Sabah team news

Carrick remains without Carlos Baleba, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo through injury.

The trio are expected to be sidelined until after the international break.

Marcus Rashford is also a doubt for the visit of Sabah after he was forced off against Everton on Sunday.

Although Carrick revealed post-match it was only a minor issue, the forward is being assessed ahead of Thursday’s match.

Manuel Ugarte remains unavailable following knee ligament surgery in the summer.

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Who are Sabah?

This week’s match represents United’s first-ever competitive meeting with a club from Azerbaijan.

Sabah are also playing in the group stage or league phase of a European competition for the first time.

Founded in 2017, the won their maiden league title as part of a league and cup double last season.

Wins over The New Saints, KuPS, Aarhus and Hapoel Be’er Sheva have seen them into the league phase.

The club are based in the town of Masazir in eastern Azerbaijan, which has a population of just under 19,000.

As a result, the population of the town could fit into Old Trafford almost four times over.