Erik ten Hag makes transfer stance clear as Man Utd’s Champions League squad announced

Manchester United have not included Donny van de Beek in their Champions League squad.

The Red Devils’ 25-man squad for the 2023/24 group stages of the competition was announced on Tuesday afternoon, with Van de Beek not listed in that group. Youngsters such as Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad also weren’t named, but they’re expected to be included at a later date in ‘B List’, which is comprised of the club's younger players.

Van de Beek’s omission is a clear indication of where he stands in Ten Hag’s squad, with the midfielder close to leaving on transfer deadline day. Van de Beek was the subject of interest from a number of sides before the window shut on Friday, but a deal could not be completed in time.

Reports earlier this week claimed there is interest from Turkey, with the country’s transfer window not closing until 15 September. Van de Beek hasn't played a competitive match for United since picking up a long-term knee injury in January, and admitted earlier this summer he may need to leave the club.

The former Ajax midfielder has not been named in any of United's four matchday squads so far this season, and it seems his time at Old Trafford is drawing to a close. Since arriving at the club in 2020, Van de Beek has made just 60 appearances, with only 23 starts in that period.

Meanwhile, the injured Raphael Varane, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount were named in the Red Devils’ Champions League squad, an indication they should be available to play some role in the latter part of the group stages. All four are suffering from injuries and, while none were expected to be out long-term, Ten Hag has not given any indication when they could return.

Deadline-day arrivals Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat are part of the 25-man group, as is Rasmus Hojlund.

United’s Champions League squad in full

A list: Sofyan Amrabat, Altay Bayindir, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Antony, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Anthony Martial, Lisandro Martinez, Andre Onana, Facundo Pellistri, Sergio Reguilon, Raphael Varane

Club trained: Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw

Associated trained: Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Jadon Sancho, Aaron Wan-Bissaka