Due to the summer transfer window closing after the season starts, Manchester United will be able to add some names to this list if they progress to The Champions League proper – and most fans will hope that there are some stellar additions in the forward areas in particular.
But this is the confirmed list for the qualifying stage and it is encouraging to see that the name of David de Gea makes the list.
The brilliant Spanish stopper was left out of the squad for Manchester United’s season opener against Tottenham due to the fact that his future is the subject of so much uncertainty.
Perhaps he is included in case of freak injuries to all three of the other Manchester United keepers. A more positive spin is that he is being considered for the ties which will define Manchester United’s season, against Club Brugge.
The first leg is to be played next Tuesday 18th August and the away leg will take place the following week.
Here is the squad:
United: David De Gea, Anders Lindegaard, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone; Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, Antonio Valencia, Paddy McNair, Matteo Darmian, Tyler Blackett; Juan Mata, Michael Carrick, Daley Blind, Ashley Young, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira; Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney, Adnan Januzaj, Javier Hernandez, James Wilson.
All 5 of the new signings are in there and Louis van Gaal has ostensibly now got two players for most positions in the squad.
While many felt that a centre back was the most urgent need for the squad, it’s up top where Manchester United arguably look the lightest.
They have the emerging talents of James Wilson, Adnan Januzaj and Andreas Pereira.
But they perhaps need a to add a bit more experienced class at the business end of the park before September.
