Manchester United Returns to Champions League

Michael Carrick believes Manchester United possess a squad capable of competing deeply in the Champions League as the club prepares for their return to the elite European competition after a 1,003-day absence. The team will begin their league-phase campaign on Thursday, September 10, 2026, hosting Azerbaijani champions Sabah at Old Trafford. Carrick, who won the Champions League as a player with Manchester United, expressed his excitement for the competition's return. "It's a magical competition. It's where we all want to be," Carrick stated. "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." He emphasized that the squad is strong enough to challenge Europe's best, despite the club's recent struggles in the tournament, which saw them eliminated at the group stage in two of their last three appearances. The team's early Premier League form has been mixed, with four points secured from their opening three matches, including a 2-2 draw at Everton where they conceded a late equalizer.