Manchester United will face Sabah on Thursday night as the Champions League returns to Old Trafford for the first time since 2023.
The Red Devils have never come up against the club before, with the Azerbaijan outfit having only been established in 2017.
Here are three storylines to build the excitement ahead of United’s return to Europe’s top club competition.
United have also never previously faced a side from Azerbaijan, which makes this a landmark fixture.
Qarabag FK are unquestionably the team from that country with the greatest European pedigree, having featured in the Champions League on numerous occasions.
In fact, they reached the knockout rounds last season, but were comprehensively beaten on aggregate by Newcastle United.
Sabah, for their part, have picked up some European experience in recent years in the Conference League and Europa League, but this is the first time they have progressed beyond the qualifying stage.
Because United have not featured in the Champions League since their 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in December 2023, this match will serve as many players’ first experience of the competition.
In-form forward Bryan Mbeumo has never played in the tournament before, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens is also yet to make his Champions League debut.
Defender Leny Yoro has likewise never appeared in the Champions League, having only played in the Conference League with LOSC Lille and in the Europa League with Manchester United during his first season at the club.
Carrick played plenty of matches in the Champions League during his time as a player.
Indeed, he won the competition in 2008 and also reached two further finals with the Red Devils in 2009 and 2011.
He has only limited experience in Europe as a manager, but he did win the one match he has overseen.
During his first spell as caretaker manager in 2021, he led United to an important 2-0 away victory over Spanish side Villarreal.
This will also be a significant occasion because it will be Carrick’s first home European fixture as United manager.
