After three years away, Manchester United is back in the Champions League.
United hosts Azerbaijani side Sabah FK on Thursday, Sept. 10, marking its return to Europe's top club competition.
Michael Carrick will have a tricky job over the next few days, with United's manager looking to keep his squad fresh for the match against Sabah and the derby against Manchester City on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Carrick will be missing a number of players including Matthijs de Ligt (back), Manuel Ugarte (knee), Carlos Baleba (ankle), Amad Diallo (ankle) and Tom Heaton (hamstring).
Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford are also doubts for the match at Old Trafford.
Still, Carrick will have plenty of talent to call upon against a team that has never before played in the
Champions League group phase.
Here is how Manchester United could line up against Sabah on Thursday.
Manchester United projected lineup vs Sabah
Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Lenny Yoro, Lisandro Martínez, Noussair Mazraoui
Holding midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans
Attacking midfielders: Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha
Forward: Benjamin Šeško
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Manchester United projected lineup vs Sabah: Red Devils return to Champions League
