Manchester United make their return to the Champions League on September 10 when they host Sabah FK at Old Trafford.

Red Devils Need to Improve Defensively

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United have only won once in the opening three rounds of Premier League fixtures, with their defensive inability holding the club back.

The Red Devils have conceded at least twice in each of their EPL encounters this term. However, their attacking strength should be noted, as United have scored seven goals in their last two. Bruno Fernandes has been in standout form, registering four goal involvements in two.

Bryan Mbeumo has been in excellent form in front of goal, scoring in back-to-back starts. Matthijs de Ligt, Carlos Baleba, and Manuel Ugarte all remain out due to injury.

Manchester United predicted lineup vs Sabah FK (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Santos; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

Sabah Boast Attacking Quality

Valdas Dambrauskas’s Sabah will be massive outsiders to cause an upset at Old Trafford on Thursday.

The Azerbaijani club has excelled in recent outings, winning three on the bounce. Their attacking players have sparkled over that period, with eleven goals scored. They have also shown defensive strength, keeping consecutive domestic clean sheets.

Joy-Lance Mickels has been in excellent form in front of goal this season, scoring five in his last seven appearances. Xander Severina is likely to miss out on selection this week due to a minor injury.

Sabah FK predicted lineup vs Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Pokatilov; Solvet, Zedadka, Dasdamirov, Puchacz; Rakhmonaliev, Lepinjica; Parris, Simic, Nwachukwu; Mickels

Manchester United vs Sabah FK Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Manchester United (-1.5)
  • Odds: 1.33 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 2QLN3
  • Correct score prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Sabah FK

Key stats:

  • Man United have won nine of their last ten at Old Trafford under Carrick.
  • They have also scored at least twice in back-to-back fixtures.
  • Sabah FK have never won a match in the Champions League proper.

Manchester will be expected to cover the -1.5 handicap on Thursday. The Red Devils have been reliable at Old Trafford under Carrick, winning nine of their previous ten. Their attacking output should also be respected, as they have scored seven goals in their previous two outings.

Sabah look set to be outclassed in the Champions League opening round, as they have never previously won a match at this stage of the competition, having failed to reach the League Phase in their history.

Manchester United vs Sabah FK Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Bryan Mbeumo to Score
  • Odds: 1.75 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: RBXN3

Bryan Mbeumo has made an excellent start to the new campaign, scoring goals in back-to-back appearances. The attacker has looked sharp after not playing at the World Cup, and his good run of form in front of goal stretches back to pre-season after netting five times in his seven overall appearances.

Mbeumo’s efficiency in front of goal ensures that he is a standout value play. The Cameroon international boasts a 44% shot accuracy rate, and he converts 16% of his shots.

Verdict: Manchester United (-1.5) (1.33) — Manchester United 3-1 Sabah FK