Man Utd: 3 Players Wear Special Shirt in Champions League vs Sabah

Calum is a GiveMeSport journalist, covering the biggest stories in world sport. Having taken part in the GiveMeSport Academy in early 2023, Calum joined the team full-time in June of the same year before moving into the role of editor shortly after. This came after completing a Freelance Journalism course through the British College of Journalism.

Having also produced news content for HITC Sport and Read Liverpool, he has created a wide range of content for GMS, including news, opinion, features, lists and viral sport content.

His passion for sports extends further than football, as he has covered several sports for GMS, including Boxing, Tennis, and Wrestling.

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Manchester United returned to the UEFA Champions League with a comfortable 4-0 victory against Azerbaijan newcomers, Sabah FK.

The Red Devils were in cruise control throughout, with Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko firing Michael Carrick's men into a three-goal lead before half-time. United were heavy favourites going into the tie, but it was still a welcome result after Sunday's late draw at Everton.

It was a big night for winger Bryan Mbeumo, who was making his debut in the competition. The Cameroon international could be spotted by eagle-eyed fans in a slightly different shirt to the majority of his teammates.

Mbeumo was one of three starters wearing an altered shirt for the home team. Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu, both part of a heavily rotated backline, were also wearing the special shirts.

Yoro and Dorgu were both making their first appearances in Europe's elite competition, just like Mbeumo. The trio were therefore given kits with a special patch showing the word 'debut' on their sleeves.

It's a new rule UEFA brought in for the start of the 2026-27 season, with all players making their Champions League bows wearing the same badge. The initiative is in collaboration with sports merchandise company Fanatics.

Each badge, which is shaped like a Champions League ball with the 'DEBUT' patch over the top, will then be passed on to Fanatics and turned into signed trading cards.

Youngsters Shea Lacey and Harry Amass were handed their first minutes in the competition with the English giants sailing to victory. The pair were also wearing the special patches.

Ayden Heaven, Karl Darlow and Tyler Fletcher will have to wait to make their Champions League debuts after being left on the bench by Carrick.

Next up in Europe for the Red Devils will be a trip to face Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano. The Spanish side were narrowly beaten by Liverpool on Wednesday evening.

Elsewhere in the Champions League this week, Liverpool handed debuts to new signings Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet. Joining the two Reds in wearing the 'DEBUT' patch were Manchester City's Iliman Ndiaye and Aston Villa pair Zion Suzuki and Joao Gomes.

Arsenal goalkeeper Ilian Meslier is eligible if handed game time in the Champions League. As are Johan Manzambi Modou Keba Cisse and Brian Madjo of Aston Villa.