8 September 2026

Michael Carrick is expected to make widespread changes when Manchester United take on Azerbaijani outfit Sabah FK in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Benjamin Sesko is being backed to make his first start in attack, while Andrey Santos, Shea Lacey, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu could also come into a heavily rotated line-up.

United go into the match aware that Manchester City are next up in the Premier League on Sunday, leaving Carrick with little option but to carefully manage the minutes of his regular starters.

Luke Shaw is among those likely to be rested. The defender has featured regularly in the league, so Dorgu could slot into the back four.

Carrick has mainly used Dorgu as a winger so far, but he recently said in a press conference that the Denmark international is fully capable of playing at left-back.

Noussair Mazraoui is also expected to return to the side, while Heaven and Yoro are tipped to come in for Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in central defence.

Matthijs de Ligt has resumed training and could be included on the bench, although he is almost certain not to be risked from the start.

Senne Lammens will start in goal.

Kobbie Mainoo could be given a rest with Sunday in mind, which would open the door for Santos to start in central midfield.

Carrick is set to partner Santos with Youri Tielemans, who still appears to need match sharpness, before possibly turning to Mason Mount in the second half.

Mount needs playing time after returning from injury, and he should get around half an hour from the bench in place of Tielemans if the situation allows.

Manuel Ugarte remains a long-term absentee. Carlos Baleba is still working his way back from injury and is not ready to make his United debut after arriving from Brighton.

Lacey is in contention for a chance on the right wing, giving the youngster an opportunity to show what he can offer alongside several senior attackers. Bryan Mbeumo will drop out. Amad is still injured.

Bruno Fernandes is expected to keep the number 10 role despite the broader rotation. His presence would give an unfamiliar side an experienced focal point between midfield and attack.

Either Marcus Rashford or Matheus Cunha will start on the left, with Carrick needing to balance continuity with the demands of a packed schedule. Another option is for Dorgu to play on the left wing, with Shaw’s place being filled by Harry Amass or Mazraoui, in the latter scenario with Diogo Dalot at right-back.

Sesko looks highly likely to lead the line and make his first United start after scoring against Everton on Sunday. That goal should give the striker useful momentum to build on as he tries to persuade the manager that he deserves to start against City.

Josh Zirkzee will also be hoping for game time, but he is expected to have to settle for minutes off the bench once again.

Carrick is expected to rotate heavily against Sabah FK.

Sesko is tipped to make his first United start.

Dorgu could switch from the wing to left-back.

Santos, Mazraoui, Heaven, Yoro and Lacey could all start.