Man Utd confirm Champions League squad with hint transfer could still be completed
Erik ten Hag has named his squad for the upcoming Champions League group stage, with the Manchester United boss dropping a hint as to his plans with his selection
Erik ten Hag appears to have signaled the end of Donny van de Beek’s Manchester United career by leaving him out of the club’s squad for the Champions League.
The Red Devils named their squad for the group stage of the upcoming competition on Tuesday afternoon. But Van de Beek’s name was left off the 25-man list, hinting that the Dutchman could be on the move in the coming weeks.
Van de Beek made just four starts in all competitions last season and is yet to be named in a matchday squad this term. The news that he has missed out on a place in the Red Devils’ Champions League squad looks to be the final nail in the coffin of his United career.
Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, and Sofyan Amrabat are the midfielders who have instead been selected in the squad. Van de Beek’s omission signals that he is closing in on a departure from Old Trafford.
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While he failed to leave before the end of the Premier League’s summer transfer window, the 26-year-old could still secure a move away. It was reported last Friday that Galatasaray were among those exploring a deal for the midfielder.
The Turkish giants recently saw a £1million loan offer rejected, but have retained their interest. Their transfer window does not close until 15 September, offering the chance for Van de Beek to make an exit
Van de Beek scored in United’s pre-season clash against Lyon but is yet to be seen in a competitive game this term. Following that goal, he admitted that he had struggled with his status in the squad following Ten Hag’s arrival.
“It was great, my first game after six months. I don’t have to tell you that after such an injury, it’s such a mentally difficult period for me and my family. To be back on the pitch, it was great,” he said.
“Of course, it’s nice if you score a goal as well but that wasn’t the most important thing, it’s an extra thing. It was just amazing too because I’d been looking forward to this moment for months. I know it’s only a friendly game but, for me, it’s a big moment.
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Manchester United’s 23/24 Champions League squad
A List
Sofyan Amrabat
Altay Bayindir (GK)
Casemiro
Diogo Dalot
Antony
Christian Eriksen
Bruno Fernandes
Rasmus Hojlund
Victor Lindelof
Tyrell Malacia
Anthony Martial
Lisandro Martinez
Andre Onana (GK)
Facundo Pellistri
Sergio Reguilon
Raphael Varane
Club-trained
Jonny Evans
Tom Heaton (GK)
Scott McTominay
Marcus Rashford
Luke Shaw
Association-trained
Harry Maguire
Mason Mount
Jadon Sancho
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
“It’s easy to say but I think at the end of the day it makes you mentally stronger because you realize when you play every day you don’t want this kind of moment to happen but if it happens, you realize how much you love playing football.”
United will face Bayern Munich, Copenhagen, and Galatasaray in the group stage, meaning they could face Van de Beek if he joins the latter. United kick off their campaign with a trip to Bayern on 20 September.
Their squad is made up of A-List players, as well as those who were either club-trained or association-trained. The B List will be submitted ahead of the game against Bayern, with United confirming Alejandro Garnacho will “definitely” be included.
That list will also take in other players from the academy and can be updated in advance of each game. All of United’s summer signings have been registered in the A-List, though the squad only covers the group stages.
Man Utd confirm Champions League squad with hint transfer could still be completed