Valdas Dambrauskas prepares for an emotional return to Old Trafford as the manager of Sabah in the Champions League on Thursday. This moment marks a significant milestone in his career, which began nearly 20 years ago with Manchester United Soccer Schools.

Dambrauskas expressed his disbelief at this achievement, stating, "This is beyond my imagination," reflecting on his journey from childhood dreams to coaching at one of football's most iconic venues.

His story is as unconventional as it is inspiring:

• Dambrauskas gained initial fame from an appearance on the Lithuanian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, where he won 4,000 litas (approximately £725).
• He used his winnings to relocate to London, where he faced challenges including limited English and multiple jobs while pursuing a coaching career.
• He enrolled at London Metropolitan University, marking the start of his formal education in sports science and coaching.

Dambrauskas’ coaching journey involved:

• Volunteering with community projects and semi-professional clubs.
• Earning a Uefa coaching licence, making him the first Lithuanian to do so through the London Football Association.
• A pivotal role at Manchester United Soccer Schools, where he honed his skills.

After moving back to Lithuania, he managed Ekranas and Zalgiris Vilnius, winning multiple titles including a treble in 2016. His coaching career then took him across Europe, with successful stints at RFS, Ludogorets Razgrad, and Hajduk Split.

Now at Sabah, he has already led the team to a league and cup double in his first season, bringing his total trophy count to 13 across five countries. Sabah's president, Magsud Adigozalov, praised Dambrauskas for instilling a winning mentality in the team.

As he prepares to return to England, Dambrauskas reflects, "When I hear this word 'England', it for me sounds like opportunities." His remarkable journey continues as he steps onto the pitch at Old Trafford, fulfilling a dream that started two decades ago.