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David de Gea included in Manchester United's Champions League squad as Victor Valdes misses out

The Spanish goalkeeper is expected to regain his fist-team place at Old Trafford

Mark Critchley
Thursday 03 September 2015 09:57 BST
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David de Gea has been included in Manchester United's 26-man-squad for the Champions League this season.

The Spanish goalkeeper is expected to regain his fist-team place at Old Trafford following the collapse of his move to Real Madrid on the last day of the transfer window.

De Gea has missed each of the club's competitive fixtures so far this season due to the uncertainty over his future.

However, this squad announcement gives the clearest indication yet that Louis van Gaal is ready to welcome United's Player of the Year back into the fold, and it comes amid talk of new contract negotiations.

Any appearance by De Gea during the competition's group stage would cup-tie him for later rounds, potentially scuppering any potential transfer when the window re-opens in January.

De Gea's inclusion alongside fellow 'keepers Sergio Romero and Sam Johnstone means there is no room for three-time Champions League winner Victor Valdes.

Valdes, formerly of Barcelona, has been ostracised by Van Gaal following claims that he refused to play for United's Under-21 side at the end of last season.

Elsewhere, new signing Anthony Martial is included in the list of forwards alongside Wayne Rooney, Memphis Depay and youngster James Wilson.

Manchester United's Champions League squad:

Goalkeepers: De Gea, Romero, Johnstone

Defenders: Jones, Rojo, Smalling, Shaw, Varela, McNair, Darmian

Midfielders: Carrick, Blind, Young, Herrera, Mata, Powell, Valencia, Fellaini, Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Lingard, Pereira

Forwards: Depay, Martial, Rooney, Wilson

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