Manchester United are eighth on the list of favourites to win the UEFA Champions League this season, sitting ahead of Internazionale, Atlético Madrid and Borussia Dortmund on some betting sites. How that conclusion has been reached is difficult to say. United play Sabah FK, champions of Azerbaijan, at Old Trafford on Thursday in what will be their first Champions League game for nearly three years. It's been more than 1,000 days since they were knocked out in the group stage after defeat to Bayern Munich in December 2023.

United have won just one of their last nine Champions League fixtures. They've gone out at the group stage in four of their last nine attempts, missing out on qualification entirely in five of the past 10 seasons. Since reaching the final in 2011, United have won just two Champions League knockout ties -- against Olympiacos in 2014 and Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. They've not even been past the quarterfinals for 15 years.

Balancing expectation with reality is a challenge for Michael Carrick. "We understand the reality of what we feel we can achieve," the head coach said. A club of United's size and stature should start most competitions among the favourites, though that doesn't tally with the situation they currently find themselves in. Carrick knows better than to play down United chances, but he will also be acutely aware that the squad is going through a significant rebuild.

The Champions League creates complications for Carrick. Playing three games a week will put a strain on the squad. Sabah's visit to Manchester kicks off a run of four games in 11 days, including a Manchester derby with rivals City next weekend. What's certain is that United need the Champions League. Many fans have been left underwhelmed by a summer transfer window that saw the arrival of three midfielders -- Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba -- for a net spend of around £85 million. The club insist they're compliant with financial fair play rules, but a lack of consistent Champions League income has hit the bank balance.