Michael Carrick has insisted his team is taking Thursday’s meeting with Sabah FK seriously and they are “here to do business” in the Champions League.
Manchester United will face an Azerbaijani outfit for the first time in gameweek one of the new-look European format, with expectations for a professional showing at Old Trafford.
Thankfully, Marcus Rashford was pictured training at Carrington despite his withdrawal against Everton, bolstering the attacking options during a busy schedule.
But Luke Shaw was absent, inevitably raising questions about his availability ahead of the Champions League affair and the Manchester derby on Sunday.
“We just gave him [Shaw] an extra recovery day today,” Carrick confirmed on Wednesday. “So, obviously, we’ll see tomorrow how he is. But it’s not an ongoing thing or planning like that.
“Off the back of the game the other day, as normal, each individual has different little things we manage, and Luke was one of them today.”
Matthijs De Ligt is closing in on a long-awaited return to senior action, having not featured since a London victory against Crystal Palace in November 2025.
Although he was also given a rest day ahead of Thursday’s fixture, the Dutch defender is making solid progress during the final stages of his rehabilitation.
“He’s trained really well, but we’re still managing it,” Carrick said when asked about the 27-year-old.
“When you’re out for such a long period of time, you get to the final stages, pushing and pushing, and you’ve got to manage that last stage. It’s important to get that balance right to take the next step.
“But he’s on a good track, in a good place, and it’s great to have him back around us. Hopefully, some time soon.”
Uncertainty has surfaced in the fanbase after a slow start to the Premier League campaign, with a defeat to Hull City preceding a frustrating draw against Everton.
But Carrick remains confident in his squad and the collective ability from front to back, reinforcing a shared belief in the dressing room.
“Well, it’s always a balanced view,” he said of team rotation. “I think it’s why we’ve got the squad; we’re pushing to have as strong a squad as possible, to be able to adapt to certain games, certain ways of playing and certain circumstances.
“We play Thursday-Sunday-Wednesday, and it’s what we’re here for. It’s about managing the group and having trust in everyone able to play.”
He added, “It’s the best competition to challenge yourself, and to push against the best, and 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.”
Willy Delajod and his French officiating team will take charge of matters on the evening, with play scheduled to get underway at 8:00 p.m. BST on Thursday.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels–photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com.
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