Man Utd make history

Manchester United will reach a major European milestone when Michael Carrick’s side face Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

The Champions League opener will be United’s 300th European Cup match, making them the first English club to reach that landmark. UEFA has confirmed the record ahead of matchday one.

It provides another piece of history on United’s return to Europe’s leading competition after a three-season absence.

United are also making their 26th appearance in the Champions League proper, another English record.

Man Utd have won just one of their last nine UEFA Champions League matches ⏪🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/wSkypfyqtI
— Prime Video Sport UK (@primevideosport) September 10, 2026

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Man Utd reach 300-game European Cup milestone

United’s relationship with European football stretches back to the Busby Babes.

The club entered the European Cup for the first time in 1956/57, becoming the first English side to play in the competition despite initial resistance from the Football Association.

ReadManUtd has previously looked back at that historic beginning and the famous 10-0 victory over Anderlecht during United’s first European campaign.

Sir Matt Busby’s side eventually became the first English club to lift the European Cup in 1968.

United added further Champions League triumphs under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999 and 2008, with the Treble-winning comeback against Bayern Munich among the defining moments in the club’s history.

ReadManUtd’s Manchester United club history guide charts that journey from the Busby era through to United’s modern European successes.

Thursday now adds another landmark.

Sabah provide unfamiliar opposition, with ReadManUtd explaining who United’s Azerbaijani Champions League opponents are ahead of their first competitive meeting.

United’s European schedule becomes significantly tougher after tonight, with Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Roma and Sporting CP among Carrick’s remaining opponents.

Supporters can see every date and kick-off time in ReadManUtd’s full Manchester United Champions League fixtures guide.

First, United have the opportunity to mark their 300th European Cup appearance by beginning the new campaign with three points.