Manchester United have made several additions to their Champions League squad.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick has selected more players for Manchester United's first Champions League match (Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester United have added eight players to their Champions League squad following the announcement of their B-list selections ahead of their opening fixture against Sabah. Michael Carrick's side make their return to Europe's top-tier competition nearly three years after finishing bottom of their group in 2023/24.
United revealed their 25-man Champions League squad last week, with highly-rated youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro notably absent. That squad remains fixed for the league phase of the tournament, though both players retain eligibility for selection via the B list. Players born on or after 1 January 2005, who have been eligible to represent the club for two consecutive years since turning 15 (or three years including a loan spell), qualify for inclusion on the B list. This list remains open for amendment throughout the competition, with players required to be submitted to UEFA no later than the day before each Champions League fixture.
United have moved swiftly to place Yoro and Mainoo on the list alongside six further players.
Left back Harry Amass, central defender Daniel Armer, Darren Fletcher's sons Jack and Tyler Fletcher, midfielder Jim Thwaites, and the highly-regarded Shea Lacey have all been named ahead of United's first European outing of the campaign.
Ayden Heaven and Tynan Thompson have both been placed on the 'A list' as neither player has been at United long enough to qualify for the 'B list'.
United's involvement in the Champions League has been far less regular than the club was once used to during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Despite this, Carrick is determined to guide his side to a strong campaign, while also instilling greater consistency throughout the squad.
"Well, we certainly can achieve it, we're capable of achieving it," said Carrick.
Kobbie Mainoo has been added to the B list ahead of the Sabah game
Kobbie Mainoo has been added to the B list ahead of the Sabah game (Image: Getty)
"It's up to us to then take the step of doing that. I think you saying that as well shows the steps that we're trying to make from previous years of not being in the later stages of the competition.
"I think we've got to be humble enough and realistic enough to know where we're coming from and where we want to get to. That, like you say, Bruno's only played in that one. It's part of us to keep pushing the standards and to be the best we can possibly be.
"We want to be there as quickly as possible, as everybody does, but again, it's understanding the steps that need to be put in place to be able to do that.
"We're capable of some really, really good things, and especially on our day, we feel that we can go up against anybody and come out on top.
"It's up to us to bring that over a consistent period and consistency through games. In the end, that gets you the results and hopefully puts us in those stages that you're talking about."
Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy