Confirmed Man Utd line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Sabah, Carrick makes four changes
September 11, 2026 00:29
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick named a starting XI that features four changes for the Champions League opener against Sabah on 10 September 2026. Senne Lammens kept his place in goal, while three defensive positions were changed and there was one alteration up front.
Leny Yoro comes into central defence in place of Harry Maguire. Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui were selected at full-back instead of Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot respectively. Benjamin Sesko was handed the striker's role, with Marcus Rashford dropped to the bench and Matheus Cunha shifted to the left wing.
KEY CONTEXT
This fixture is Manchester United’s return to the Champions League after a two-season absence. Carrick’s team are taking part in the group-stage opener, and the lineup reflects rotations across the back line and in attack ahead of the match.
WHY IT MATTERS
The changes reshape both defence and the forward line: a new central defensive pairing includes Yoro, while both full-back spots have been altered. Up front, Sesko’s inclusion gives him his first start of the season and moves Cunha out wide, while a regular starter, Rashford, begins on the bench. Those selections will determine how United defend and build attacks from the outset.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- How the Yoro–Martinez central partnership and the new full-backs cope against Sabah’s attack.
- Sesko’s first start of the season: whether he leads the line effectively and how Cunha adapts on the left.
- Whether Carrick’s rotations produce the expected control in midfield with Mainoo and Tielemans supporting Bruno Fernandes.
KEY FACTS
- Match: Manchester United vs Sabah, Champions League group-stage opener.
- Manager Michael Carrick made four starting XI changes.
- GK: Senne Lammens; defence: Mazraoui, Yoro, Martinez, Dorgu.
- Midfield: Mainoo, Tielemans; attacking trio: Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; striker: Sesko.
- Marcus Rashford was named among the substitutes; Sesko earned his first start of the season.
- United return to Europe’s elite competition after two seasons out.