League: Champions League Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Michael Carrick previews Manchester United return to Champions League campaign

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 1:30 PM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Michael Carrick previews Manchester United return to Champions League campaign

Summary

Manchester United begins its Champions League campaign on Thursday at Old Trafford against Azerbaijani champions Sabah. Manager Michael Carrick expressed optimism regarding the team's potential in the tournament, despite the club having not participated in the competition since 2023. Carrick emphasized that while the goal is to make the club a permanent fixture in the tournament, he remains focused on the upcoming match rather than looking ahead. The team enters this European fixture following a slow start in the Premier League, where they secured four points from their opening three games. Left-back Luke Shaw sat out of training on Wednesday for recovery purposes following the match against Everton, but Carrick indicated the absence is not a long-term concern. Manchester United faces a tight turnaround before the scheduled Manchester derby this Sunday.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Manchester United hosts Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday.
•The team has not reached a Champions League semi-final since 2011.
•Luke Shaw missed Wednesday's training session for recovery.
•Manchester City defeated Porto 2-0 on Tuesday in a separate fixture.
•Manchester United plays a derby match this Sunday.

Latest Updates

12:31 PMYahoo Sports — Michael Carrick underlines key change at Man United since returning to club
1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Michael Carrick offers honest view on Manchester United’s Champions League chances ahead of opener

What they're saying

"
United beat Sabah 4-0 in the Champions League to enter the derby with renewed confidence and Carrick believes there has been a shift in expectations since he took over
— Yahoo Sports