Manchester United vs Sabah: UEFA Champions League – preview, team news

Manchester-united" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="2930" data-entity-type="organization">Manchester United vs Sabah: UEFA Champions League – preview, team newsMan Utd have taken only four points from their first four Premier League games, but Michael Carrick says the team is ready to rise.Michael Carrick believes Manchester-united" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="2930" data-entity-type="organization">Manchester United are strong enough to compete with Europe’s best on their return to the Champions League for the first time in three years.Carrick earned his position as permanent United boss after leading the Red Devils to third place in English football’s Premier League in his interim spell last season.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Dortmund’s Karetsas hospitalised after collapsing in Champions League matchlist 2 of 4Lionel Messi agrees deal to buy second-tier Spanish club Eldenselist 3 of 4Dembele, Mbappe, Kane and Yamal top Ballon d’Or shortlistlist 4 of 4Spain’s FA to fund IVF, egg freezing for female football players, refereesend of listHaving secured a place in Europe’s elite club competition, United kick off their league phase campaign on Thursday when they face Azerbaijani champions Sabah at Old Trafford in Manchester.“It’s a magical competition. It’s where we all want to be. When you’re out of it, you realise how special it is, and when you’re in it, you want to make the most of it,” Carrick told reporters on Wednesday.“I think we’ve all seen some special, special nights and felt some special things in this competition over the years. It’s the best competition to challenge yourself and to push against the best.“We’re delighted to be here, but we’re not here to just enjoy the occasion. We’re here to do business and go as far as we possibly can.”In two of their last three appearances in the Champions League, the three-time European champions have crashed out at the group stage, and they have not progressed beyond the last 16 since 2019.United have also made a slow start to the Premier League season, taking just four points from fixtures against Hull, Ipswich and Everton.However, many of their better performances under Carrick have come against stronger opposition.United beat Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the second half of last season.