Manchester United vs Sabah FK Lineups Out: Cunha Starts, Rashford On Bench As Red Devils Kick Off UCL League Phase At Old Trafford

Manchester United have announced their starting XI for their UEFA Champions League league-phase opener against Sabah FK at Old Trafford on Thursday, September 10. The fixture marks the Red Devils’ return to Europe’s elite competition after a three-year absence.

Michael Carrick has made several changes to the side that started the 2-2 Premier League draw against Everton, with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško leading the attacking setup. Marcus Rashford has been named among the substitutes, while Bruno Fernandes captains the side.

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Cunha Starts As Šeško Leads The Line

United will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Senne Lammens starting in goal.

The Belgian goalkeeper will have Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martínez and Patrick Dorgu ahead of him in defence. Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo will form the midfield pairing.

Captain Bruno Fernandes will operate in the attacking midfield role, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha providing support around striker Benjamin Šeško.

Cunha's inclusion is particularly notable after Carrick's side used him in a more fluid attacking role during the opening weeks of the campaign. United's new-look attack has shown flashes of quality but is still developing its understanding.

Rashford Starts On The Bench

Marcus Rashford has been left out of the starting XI despite featuring from the beginning against Everton. The England forward came off after 70 minutes in that match following a slight physical issue.

Rashford could therefore provide an attacking option from the bench if United need additional pace or creativity in the second half.

Mason Mount, Andrey Santos and Joshua Zirkzee are also among the substitutes, alongside defenders Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot and Ayden Heaven.

United enter the fixture looking to make a strong statement on their Champions League return. Sabah, meanwhile, are making their debut in the competition's league phase after progressing through the qualifying rounds, making the Old Trafford clash a historic occasion for the Azerbaijani club.

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Manchester United Starting XI

Senne Lammens; Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martínez, Patrick Dorgu; Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes (C), Matheus Cunha; Benjamin Šeško.

Substitutes

Karl Darlow, Dermot Mee, Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Tyler Fletcher, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Shea Lacey, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee.