Manchester United are entering one of the most important weeks of their 2026/27 season, with the Red Devils facing a Champions League comeback against Sabah FK before turning their attention to the Manchester derby against Manchester City.

After a mixed beginning to the Premier League campaign, manager Michael Carrick will be hoping his team can make a strong statement in Europe and build momentum ahead of Sunday’s huge derby at Old Trafford.

Manchester United Return to the Champions League

The biggest Manchester United story right now is the club’s return to the UEFA Champions League.

United will face Azerbaijani side Sabah FK at Old Trafford on Thursday, September 10, in their first Champions League campaign in three seasons. It is a significant moment for a club that was absent from European competition altogether last season.

For Carrick, who won the Champions League with Manchester United as a player in 2008, the competition carries enormous importance. The manager has described the Champions League as a special and “magical” competition and has made it clear that United do not want simply to participate. The ambition is to compete seriously and progress as far as possible.

Sabah, meanwhile, are preparing for a historic night. The Azerbaijani club are making their debut at this level of European football, making the fixture particularly significant for both teams.

United’s Premier League Start Has Been Inconsistent

While the Champions League provides plenty of excitement, United’s domestic form has raised some questions.

The Red Devils have collected four points from their opening three Premier League matches. They suffered a disappointing defeat against newly promoted Hull City before recovering with a home victory over Ipswich Town. Their most recent league fixture ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw away to Everton.

Against Everton, United twice took the lead but were unable to hold on for all three points. Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko were on the scoresheet for United, but Everton’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles equalised deep into stoppage time.

The result leaves Carrick with plenty to consider as United prepare for two major fixtures in just a few days.

Marcus Rashford Injury Update

One of the concerns coming out of the Everton match was the condition of Marcus Rashford.

The England forward was substituted in the 70th minute after picking up an issue during the match. However, Carrick has moved to calm fears surrounding the forward, describing the problem as “nothing major.”

Rashford’s return to the Manchester United first team has been one of the interesting developments of the season. After loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona, the forward has been given another opportunity under Carrick.

His fitness will therefore be closely monitored as United face an extremely demanding schedule.

Luke Shaw Remains a Question Mark

United also have concerns surrounding Luke Shaw.

Shaw missed training ahead of the Sabah fixture after being given an additional rest day. Carrick has indicated that the decision was not because of a serious ongoing injury, but the situation will nevertheless be watched closely.

United’s options at left-back are particularly important because the club did not add another senior player in that position during the transfer window.

Other players have also been dealing with fitness problems, meaning Carrick may need to rotate his squad carefully during this busy period.

Manchester Derby Comes Next

Perhaps the biggest challenge of the week will come on Sunday when Manchester United host Manchester City at Old Trafford.

The derby is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, with kick-off at 4:30pm BST.

The timing of the fixture has already attracted attention because United will have only a short recovery period after their Champions League match against Sabah. Manchester City, by contrast, have two additional days of rest after playing earlier in the week.

Carrick has acknowledged that the schedule is not ideal, but the United manager has stressed the importance of trusting the entire squad and making the most of the situation.

The derby will also provide an early test of United’s progress under Carrick. Last season, the two clubs shared derby victories, with City winning 3-0 before United responded with a 2-0 victory in Carrick’s first match as permanent head coach.

What Should Manchester United Fans Expect?

The immediate priority is clear: United need a positive Champions League result against Sabah.

On paper, United enter the match as the more experienced European side, but Carrick will be conscious that complacency could be dangerous. Sabah are entering the biggest competition in their history and will have nothing to lose.

For United, the match is an opportunity to improve confidence, give squad players valuable minutes and establish a positive European campaign.

The bigger challenge, however, will come just three days later.

A convincing Champions League performance followed by a strong display against Manchester City would transform the mood around Old Trafford. On the other hand, dropping points in both matches could increase pressure on Carrick and expose some of the concerns that have emerged from United’s inconsistent league start.

The Bottom Line

Manchester United are at an important crossroads early in the 2026/27 season.

The return to the Champions League is a major positive and gives the club an opportunity to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite. However, the inconsistent Premier League results show that Carrick’s side still have work to do.

With Sabah visiting Old Trafford tonight and Manchester City arriving on Sunday, United face two very different but equally important challenges.

For supporters, it promises to be a fascinating few days. The Champions League return offers excitement and optimism, while the Manchester derby will provide a much clearer indication of where United currently stand against one of their biggest rivals.

One thing is certain: the next few days could set the tone for Manchester United’s season.