Michael Carrick has said he is relishing Manchester United's return to the Champions League after a two-year absence, despite acknowledging that a Thursday night fixture ahead of Sunday's derby against Manchester City is "not ideal". United host Sabah, an Azerbaijani club making their maiden appearance in Europe's top competition, as the club looks to build momentum during a demanding early-season schedule.

Carrick, who won the trophy with United in 2008, described the competition as "magical" and said the club were determined to go as far as possible rather than simply enjoy the occasion. United have taken four points from three Premier League games this season, and face a congested fixture list, with no free midweek until mid-January if they progress to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. City, who play at Porto on Tuesday, will have two extra days' rest before Sunday's derby. Left-back Luke Shaw remains a fitness doubt after missing training on Wednesday, though Carrick said this was not part of a wider rotation plan.