Will Danny Ings Be Left Out of Manchester United’s Champions League Squad?

Manchester United faces Champions League squad dilemma over potential departure of key player

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could be forced to exclude a current first-team player from the Champions League squad if 21-year-old midfielder Mason Darlow signs a new contract, according to reports. The decision would create a roster spot for Darlow, who has been linked with a long-term deal since late May, but would require Ten Hag to make a difficult choice between squad depth and experience.

The speculation centers on 28-year-old forward Marcus Rashford, who has been a consistent starter in the Premier League this season but has faced limited Champions League minutes under Ten Hag. Rashford’s inclusion in the squad has been questioned by some pundits, who point to his lack of recent European competition appearances—he has played just 13 minutes across the group stage so far.

"If Darlow signs, Ten Hag will have to make a call," said a source close to the club. "The squad is already tight, and every player has to earn their place. Rashford’s role has been under scrutiny in Europe, and that could be the deciding factor."

The Premier League club has until the end of the transfer window on August 31, 2026, to finalize Darlow’s contract, which is set to expire in June 2027. If the deal is completed, Darlow would join a United squad that has struggled for consistency in the Champions League this season, finishing bottom of Group A with just four points from six games.

Why does this matter?
United’s Champions League campaign has been marked by defensive frailties and a lack of depth in attack. Rashford, who has scored 12 Premier League goals this term, has been a bright spot domestically but has yet to replicate that form in Europe. His exclusion from the squad would free up a spot for Darlow, who has impressed in pre-season and could provide much-needed creativity in midfield.

However, Rashford’s omission would also raise questions about Ten Hag’s tactical flexibility. The Dutch manager has often prioritized squad rotation, but a permanent exclusion from the Champions League squad would be a significant step. Rashford’s agent has not yet commented on the reports, and the player himself has remained silent on the matter.

What happens next?
United’s next Champions League fixture is against FC Barcelona on September 11, 2026, at the Camp Nou. The squad announcement for that match is expected to be made on September 6, 2026, giving Ten Hag just over a week to finalize his selections. If Darlow signs before then, the pressure on Ten Hag to make a decision will intensify.

The club’s board has been cautious about extending contracts amid financial constraints, but Darlow’s performances in recent friendlies—including a goal against Real Madrid in a pre-season match—have strengthened his case. A source at the club told The Athletic that Darlow’s future is a "top priority," though no final decision has been made.

How does this compare to past United squad dilemmas?
This situation echoes a familiar challenge for United managers: balancing youth development with the need for proven performers in Europe’s most competitive tournament. In 2021, then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær faced a similar dilemma with Mason Greenwood, who was excluded from the Champions League squad in favor of younger players. Greenwood later became a key figure in the team’s Premier League push, but his omission at the time drew criticism.

Unlike Greenwood, Darlow has already made his mark in the first team, starting 15 Premier League games this season. His potential inclusion would also address United’s midfield concerns, where injuries to players like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have created instability.

What are the alternatives?
If Rashford is excluded, Ten Hag could opt to include a younger player such as Amad Diallo or Rasmus Højlund, both of whom have shown promise but lack experience in European competitions. However, including Diallo or Højlund would further reduce squad depth, leaving United vulnerable to injuries.

Another possibility is that Ten Hag retains Rashford but finds a way to include Darlow through a late squad rotation, though Champions League rules allow for only three substitutions per match. This would require United to manage their squad carefully, potentially leaving out another key player in the process.

The decision will also have financial implications. Darlow’s new contract is expected to be worth around £100,000 per week, a significant investment for a club still navigating the post-Paragon era. United’s board will need to weigh the long-term benefits of securing Darlow against the immediate need for Champions League depth.

Key dates to watch:

• June 30, 2026: End of current transfer window (contract negotiations can continue beyond this date).
• August 31, 2026: Deadline for finalizing Darlow’s contract.
• September 6, 2026: Expected squad announcement for the Barcelona match.
• September 11, 2026: Manchester United vs. FC Barcelona (Champions League Group Stage).

As the clock ticks down, Ten Hag’s squad selection will be scrutinized more than ever. The choice between experience and youth could define United’s Champions League campaign—and potentially Rashford’s future at the club.