---
title: "Man Utd predicted XI vs Sabah as Sesko pushes for start"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/09/08/man-utd-predicted-xi-vs-sabah/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Match Previews"
published: "2026-09-08T17:21:33Z"
modified: "2026-10-10T21:45:07Z"
---

# Man Utd predicted XI vs Sabah as Sesko pushes for start

Manchester United could rotate their starting XI against Sabah tonight, with Benjamin Sesko now pushing strongly for his first start of the season.

Michael Carrick has received some positive news before United’s Champions League return. Marcus Rashford took part in training after feeling discomfort against Everton, while Luke Shaw’s absence from Wednesday’s session was only a planned recovery measure.

ReadManUtd’s [latest Man Utd injury news before Sabah](https://readmanutd.com/2026/09/08/man-utd-injury-news-sabah-rashford-amad-baleba/) has tracked Rashford, Amad and Carlos Baleba throughout the build-up, while Carrick has also provided [fresh updates on Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt](https://readmanutd.com/2026/09/09/carrick-de-ligt-luke-shaw-man-utd-injury-news/).

The biggest decision may now come in attack.

## Sesko pushing to start in Man Utd predicted XI vs Sabah

Sesko scored his first goal of the season after coming off the bench in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Everton.

The Slovenian headed United into an 88th-minute lead before Ainsley Maitland-Niles rescued a point for the hosts in stoppage time.

Carrick has since delivered his strongest indication yet that Sesko is approaching full match fitness.

Speaking before the Sabah game, the United boss said Sesko is “close” after training fully without restrictions for more than three weeks.

Carrick explained that United have had to manage the striker carefully following his lengthy injury absence, but said he is now in a good place.

That makes tonight an ideal opportunity to give Sesko meaningful minutes from the start.

Matheus Cunha has led the line in United’s last two league matches, with ReadManUtd’s [confirmed XI against Everton](https://readmanutd.com/2026/09/06/confirmed-man-utd-xi-everton-carrick-unchanged/) showing Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo either side of him.

Cunha could now move to the left, allowing Rashford to be protected ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.

## Carrick could rotate Luke Shaw before Man City

Defence could also change.

Shaw missed open training on Wednesday, but Carrick confirmed the left-back was simply given an extra recovery day after playing at Everton.

There is therefore no indication of a fresh injury. However, with Manchester City visiting Old Trafford just three days after Sabah, resting Shaw would still make sense.

Noussair Mazraoui could replace him at left-back.

Leny Yoro is another strong candidate to come into the team, potentially replacing Harry Maguire alongside Lisandro Martinez.

Carrick could also freshen the midfield. Kobbie Mainoo has started alongside Youri Tielemans in United’s last two league games, but Andrey Santos offers another option while Baleba remains unavailable.

United should still field enough experience to control the game.

Bruno Fernandes and Mbeumo can provide creativity behind Sesko, while Senne Lammens should retain his place in goal.

Sabah are unfamiliar opponents, with ReadManUtd’s [guide to United’s Azerbaijani Champions League opponents](https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/28/who-are-sabah-man-utds-champions-league-opponents-explained/) explaining their route to Old Trafford.

### Man Utd predicted XI vs Sabah

**Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Mazraoui; Mainoo, Andrey Santos; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.**

Manchester United face Sabah at Old Trafford at **8pm BST tonight**.

Supporters can find the broadcast details in ReadManUtd’s [Man Utd vs Sabah TV channel and live stream guide](https://readmanutd.com/2026/09/08/man-utd-sabah-tv-channel-live-stream-kick-off-time/).