Frank Christian
Manchester United has finalized its squad for the 2024/25 Europa League opening league phase, omitting Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Manager Erik ten Hag has selected his team for the tournament while balancing options across various competitions this season.
United secured a European qualification spot by winning the FA Cup final last season, which also ensured ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford.
The squad has been reinforced with summer signings like Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Manuel Ugarte, all included in the Europa League roster.
The decision to leave out Garnacho and Mainoo may surprise fans, but they are still eligible for the competition due to a UEFA rule.
Eligibility of Garnacho and Mainoo in the Europa League
Both Garnacho and Mainoo can play in the Europa League as per UEFA regulations exempting club-trained players born after January 1, 2003, from the ‘A’ list requirements for the main squad.
Our 25-man squad for the 2024/25 #UEL has been confirmed.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 5, 2024
Confirmation of ‘B’ list players is not required until closer to the games, with Garnacho, Mainoo, and Tom Collyer already added to that list.
Understanding the UEFA ‘A’ list
UEFA mandates that an ‘A’ list for a European club competition should not exceed 25 players, with eight spots reserved for ‘locally trained players,’ limiting the number of ‘association-trained players’ to four among these eight positions.
A locally-trained player can either be from the club or another club within the same association and must meet specific criteria regarding the years on the club’s books between the ages of 15 and 21.
The rules also specify conditions for List B eligibility for players born after January 1, 2003, and their duration with the club from the age of 15 onwards.
While clubs can register an unlimited number of List B players throughout the season, the submission deadline is set before each match.
