Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made some bold squad selections for the upcoming crucial Champions League showdown against Galatasaray. Among the notable inclusions are the relatively inexperienced academy graduates Dan Gore and Joe Hugill. They will appear in the European stage for the first time.
This tactical move reflects the urgency within the Red Devils‘ camp, as they seek a win in this pivotal fixture to maintain their hopes of advancing to the last-16 stage. Manchester United currently stand at the last position of their group. They won just one and lost three of their group stage fixtures.
The last European outing for Manchester United was a rollercoaster, marked by a 4-3 loss to FC Copenhagen, where Rasmus Hojlund’s brace added to their woes. Hojlund, a key contributor with five Champions League goals this season, returns to the squad after missing their recent Premier League victory against Everton due to a muscle issue sustained in an earlier fixture against Luton Town.
Another absentee from the Everton clash, Antony, returns to bolster the squad, having recovered from a minor injury setback. However, the Red Devils face the absence of Marcus Rashford due to suspension following his red card against Copenhagen.
As Manchester United gear up for this crucial encounter, their 22-man squad includes notable names such as Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, and Antony, while also encompassing the emerging talents of Gore and Hugill. Kobbie Mainoo’s presence in the squad was as expected, joining a pool of midfielders ready to make an impact. However, Mason Mount remains sidelined due to injury, leaving a void in the lineup.
Manchester United’s final squad
Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Sergio Reguilon, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof
Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Bruno Fernandes, Dan Gore, Hannibal, Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay
Forwards: Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joe Hugill, Anthony Martial, Facundo Pellistri
