Manchester United will host Sabah in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Old Trafford, with French official Willy Delajod appointed as the referee.
The match represents Manchester United’s opening game of the Champions League league phase as the Premier League club looks to begin its European campaign with three points.
So, who is the referee for Manchester United vs. Sabah?
Willy Delajod of France will referee Manchester United vs. Sabah in the UEFA Champions League. He will lead a predominantly French officiating crew for the match at Old Trafford.
Here is everything to know about Willy Delajod and the Manchester United vs. Sabah referee crew.
Who Is the Referee for Manchester United vs. Sabah?
Willy Delajod has been appointed as the referee for Manchester United vs. Sabah.
The French official will take charge of the Champions League league-phase match at Old Trafford on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. UK time).
Delajod will be joined by French assistant referees Erwan Finjean and Valentin Evrard.
Manchester United vs. Sabah Referee Crew
The officiating crew for Manchester United vs. Sabah is:
| Role | Official | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Referee | Willy Delajod | France |
| Assistant Referee | Erwan Finjean | France |
| Assistant Referee | Valentin Evrard | France |
| Fourth Official | Mathieu Vernice | France |
| VAR | Jérôme Brisard | France |
| Assistant VAR | Momčilo Marković | Serbia |
The crew gives UEFA an experienced group of officials for Manchester United’s Champions League opener at Old Trafford.
Who Is Willy Delajod?
Willy Delajod is a French football referee who regularly officiates matches in France and European competitions.
Born on September 25, 1992, Delajod has established himself among France’s leading referees and has received assignments in UEFA competitions.
He became a FIFA-listed international referee in 2018, allowing him to officiate matches outside French domestic football.
Delajod has since handled matches in competitions including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and other international fixtures.
Has Willy Delajod Refereed Sabah Before?
Yes. Willy Delajod has already refereed a Sabah match during the 2026/27 Champions League campaign.
Delajod was the referee for Sabah’s 4-0 victory over Aarhus during Champions League qualifying on August 11, 2026.
That means the Manchester United match will not be Delajod’s first experience officiating the Azerbaijani club this season.
His previous involvement with Sabah adds an interesting element to UEFA’s appointment for the match at Old Trafford.
Has Willy Delajod Refereed Manchester United Before?
Delajod has accumulated significant experience officiating European football, although his appearances involving Manchester United have been more limited than his work in French domestic competition.
His appointment for Manchester United vs. Sabah gives the French official another high-profile European assignment at one of the most recognizable stadiums in world football.
Old Trafford can provide a demanding atmosphere for referees, particularly during Champions League nights.
Who Is the VAR for Manchester United vs. Sabah?
Jérôme Brisard of France will serve as the VAR for Manchester United vs. Sabah.
Brisard will monitor the match from the video operation room and can recommend reviews involving situations covered by the VAR protocol, including goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards and cases of mistaken identity.
Momčilo Marković of Serbia has been appointed as the assistant VAR.
Manchester United vs. Sabah Match Information
| Match | Manchester United vs. Sabah |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Champions League |
| Date | Thursday, September 10, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 3 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. UK |
| Stadium | Old Trafford |
| Location | Manchester, England |
| Referee | Willy Delajod |
| VAR | Jérôme Brisard |
Manchester United enters the match looking to collect three points from its first Champions League league-phase fixture.
Sabah, meanwhile, arrives at Old Trafford having already progressed through Champions League qualifying to reach the league phase.
When Is Manchester United vs. Sabah?
Manchester United vs. Sabah is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Old Trafford.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET in the United States and 8 p.m. local time in Manchester.
The match is part of Matchday 1 of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase.
Final Thoughts
French referee Willy Delajod will be the man in the middle for Manchester United vs. Sabah as the two clubs begin their Champions League league-phase campaigns.
Delajod will be assisted by Erwan Finjean and Valentin Evrard, while Mathieu Vernice serves as the fourth official. Jérôme Brisard will oversee VAR, assisted by Momčilo Marković.
Delajod’s familiarity with Sabah provides an additional storyline after he previously refereed the Azerbaijani club during Champions League qualifying earlier this season.
For Manchester United, the focus will be on taking advantage of playing at Old Trafford and opening its Champions League campaign with three points.