Huge blow. Man United leader to miss their first Champions League match
Manchester United have suffered an untimely setback just before their long-awaited return to the Champions League.
Details: According to journalist Samuel Luckhurst, Luke Shaw is set to sit out Manchester United's opening Champions League match against Sabah. The England defender missed the team's final training session on Wednesday, with the club preparing to host the Azerbaijani champions at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Shaw's absence creates an immediate selection problem for Carrick. The experienced defender is currently Manchester United's only senior specialist left-back, meaning the coaching staff may have to use a player more accustomed to operating on the opposite flank.
The timing is particularly uncomfortable for United because the Sabah clash opens their 2026/27 Champions League campaign, while only a few days later the Red Devils are scheduled to host Manchester City in the Premier League derby.
It is worth noting that Manchester United are returning to the Champions League after a two-season absence. Sabah, meanwhile, will be making their debut in the main stage of Europe's elite club competition, and Thursday's meeting will be the first competitive encounter between the two teams.
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Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
