Antony IN, big-money signing OUT: Man Utd announce Champions League squad
Tom Weber
- Updated: 5 Sept 2023 16:42 BST
- 4 min read
Manchester United have announced their 25-man squad for the upcoming Champions League campaign.
Erik ten Hag led the Red Devils back into Europe's premier competition in his first season in charge and the Manchester club will be hoping that this season's run will be more fruitful than the last time they played in the Champions League.
In 2021/22, United crashed out in the Round of 16 after suffering a 1-0 home defeat against Atletico Madrid. This time around, Galatasaray, Copenhagen and Bayern stand between United and the knockout stages.
READ: Sancho's stance on Man Utd contract TERMINATION after Ten Hag row
They kick off their campaign on September 20 at Bayern's Allianz Arena, where they will face long-time target Harry Kane. Excitement will be palpable ahead of the match, but the squad that has been picked to represent the club in the Champions League throws up some questions.
The 25-man squad
That's because the 25-man list includes Antony, who has already been dropped from Brazil's senior squad amid a police investigation into allegations of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin.
“In order to safeguard the alleged victim, the player, the Brazilian national team and the CBF, the organization informs that Antony has been removed from the Brazilian national team,” the Brazilian FA's statement on the matter read.
READ: Man Utd star dropped after domestic abuse allegations
Much less controversial but also perhaps something of a surprise is the inclusion of Jadon Sancho after his public spat with Erik ten Hag in the wake of his non-selection for Man Utd's 3-1 loss to Arsenal.
€39 million signing Donny van de Beek, long keen on a move away, did not make the list, but he could potentially line up against United as he has been linked with a late switch to Galatasaray. The Turkish transfer window remains open until September 15, so the Dutchman could yet depart Old Trafford.
Man Utd's Champions League squad
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Altay Bayindir | Goalkeeper |
| Andre Onana | Goalkeeper |
| Tom Heaton | Goalkeeper |
| Aaron Wan-Bissaka | Defender |
| Diogo Dalot | Defender |
| Harry Maguire | Defender |
| Jonny Evans | Defender |
| Lisandro Martinez | Defender |
| Luke Shaw | Defender |
| Raphael Varane | Defender |
| Sergio Reguilon | Defender |
| Tyrell Malacia | Defender |
| Victor Lindelof | Defender |
| Bruno Fernandes | Midfielder |
| Casemiro | Midfielder |
| Christian Eriksen | Midfielder |
| Mason Mount | Midfielder |
| Scott McTominay | Midfielder |
| Sofyan Amrabat | Midfielder |
| Anthony Martial | Forward |
| Antony | Forward |
| Facundo Pellistri | Forward |
| Jadon Sancho | Forward |
| Marcus Rashford | Forward |
| Rasmus Hojlund | Forward |
