Manchester United Announce Champions League Squad, De Gea Included

Manchester United have included David De Gea in their Champions League final list for the season. The Spain international goalie has been in a centre of a transfer saga since the transfer window opened, and everything seems to be pointing at an eventual departure of the 24 year-old from the Old Trafford.

The former Atletico Madrid shotstopper is being linked with a move to Bernabeu, as he is set to replace Iker Casillas in between the sticks for Real Madrid. But the transfer looks to be stalling at the moment with United not willing to let go of him, and offering him a better deal in a new contract, and they have gone ahead with a great risk: putting him up in the squad list for the European competition.

The saga surrounding his current situation has made LVG drop him for the first League match of the season, sighting reasons of distraction and concentration issues. The coach named Argentina international, Romero for the opening game against Tottenham, and the World Cup finalist looks like a best backup option if De Gea eventually leaves for his home country.

Regardless of United’s high hopes of keeping their best player of last season, it would be the greatest “accomplishment” if they successfully keep the 24 year-old at Old Trafford. Home, Spain is where his heart is at the moment, and it’s not looking like anything will change that.

However, the risk associated with putting a name of a player that isn’t guaranteed the rest of season with your side is high for United. In the eventuality of his departure, the Red Devils will be left with Anders Lindegaard, Sergio Romero and Sam Johnstone for the Champions League, a tournament the trio have no experience in. This comes after having dropped Victor Valdes entirely from the squad following his refusal to appear for the youth team last season.