Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has said he believes Manchester United’s clash with Atletico Madrid next month will give a clearer indication of Michael Carrick’s side’s potential in the Champions League this year.
Returning to the competition for the first time since 2023, United commenced their league-phase campaign with a straightforward 4-0 victory over Azerbaijani side Sabah.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring for the Red Devils, followed by rapid goals from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko, which placed Michael Carrick’s team firmly in control by half-time.
In the second half, Lisandro Martinez capitalised on a goalkeeping error to add to the scoreline, as the Red Devils returned to winning form ahead of the eagerly awaited Manchester derby on Sunday.
During their last Champions League campaign, United did not progress beyond the group stages, but they aim to avoid a similar outcome in the newly structured league phase.
Henry said on CBS Sports: “That was the perfect game to have at home to start the Champions League and be back in it.
“At the weekend [against Manchester City], that’s when you can see what that team is, and then after, we can have a confirmation maybe after against Atletico Madrid [in matchday three]. But we will see.
“It’s too early. It’s very difficult to know. Some players left at half-time. Not everybody started because you play City at the weekend. But look, they played against Sabah, they won.”
UCL: Thierry Henry speaks on Man United’s chances of challenging for trophy after 4-0 over Atletico