Yoro, Dorgu and Sesko start in Carrick's predicted Man Utd XI vs Sabah

Manchester United return to Champions League action for the first time since December 2023 as they host Azerbaijani side Sabah at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening in their opening group-stage match. Michael Carrick is set to make three changes, with Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko all handed starts.

  • Competition: UEFA Champions League – matchday one
  • Kick-off: Tomorrow evening at Old Trafford
  • Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
  • Key selection: £52 million star Leny Yoro makes his first Champions League start for United
  • Also in: Patrick Dorgu replaces Marcus Rashford on the left; Benjamin Sesko leads the line after scoring off the bench at the weekend
  • Form guide: United beat Ipswich Town 5-2 in their only home Premier League game so far in 2026/27

Predicted Manchester United starting XI

Manchester United (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Patrick Dorgu; Benjamin Sesko

Substitutes: Not specified in source

Selection notes

Leny Yoro is expected to make his first Champions League appearance for the Red Devils, replacing Harry Maguire in the heart of the backline. Patrick Dorgu comes in for Marcus Rashford on the left flank, while Benjamin Sesko starts up front after scoring as a substitute in the 5-2 win over Everton. Managers often make changes for European ties, and Carrick looks set to rotate with an eye on the weekend.

Analysis: Why Yoro, Dorgu and Sesko get the nod

Carrick’s likely decision to hand Leny Yoro his Champions League debut shows the confidence he has in the £52 million Frenchman. Yoro’s pace and composure will be vital against a Sabah side that may sit deep and look to counter, and his ability to step out from the back could help United dominate possession.

Patrick Dorgu’s inclusion on the left is an attacking move. Dorgu offers direct running and width, which could stretch Sabah’s defence and create space for Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo to operate in the half-spaces.

Benjamin Sesko’s start is justified after his impact off the bench against Everton. His physical presence and movement give United a focal point, and with Mbeumo and Dorgu either side, there is pace and creativity to supply him.

Talking points

  • Dropping Harry Maguire for £52 million Yoro is a big call – but does Maguire deserve to be frozen out of Champions League nights?
  • Marcus Rashford's revival? He was benched for Dorgu – is Carrick sending a message about form or rotation?
  • Sesko scored off the bench vs Everton – can he replicate that as a starter against a packed defence?
  • Sabah are Champions League debutants – should United be expected to win by a big margin, and will Carrick’s changes backfire?

What happens next

Manchester United host Sabah at Old Trafford tomorrow evening, with kick-off expected at 8pm BST. A matchday one victory would set the tone for a Champions League campaign that United desperately want to go deep in after a five-year absence from the competition.

Frequently asked questions

Who starts for Manchester United vs Sabah?

Predicted starters include Senne Lammens in goal, a defence of Dalot, Yoro, Martinez and Shaw, a midfield trio of Mainoo, Tielemans and Bruno Fernandes, and an attack of Mbeumo, Dorgu and Sesko.

Is Leny Yoro making his Champions League debut?

Yes, per the source, the £52 million star is likely to make his first Champions League appearance for Manchester United, replacing Harry Maguire.

Why is Marcus Rashford not starting?

Patrick Dorgu is expected to start on the left flank ahead of Rashford, although the source does not specify if Rashford is injured or just rotated.

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