As per league regulations, each team can have a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players on their roster, and this lineup cannot be altered until the end of the 2024 winter transfer window.
What makes this decision by Dutch manager Erik ten Hag even more surprising is the off-field drama surrounding both players. Sancho has been outspoken in his criticism of Ten Hag, accusing his manager of deceit. The English winger’s conflict with Ten Hag began after he was excluded from the squad in the game against Arsenal before the international break.
On the other hand, Antony has been sidelined from training and playing for the club until further notice. Manchester United made the decision to temporarily suspend the Brazilian international following allegations of assault and threats against three women.
New signing Rasmus Hojlund, who is under 21, did not make the 25-player squad list as per Premier League rules, which allow players under 21 to compete without registration. Similar cases include Alejandro Garnacho, Hannibal Mejbri, Amad Diallo, and Kobbie Mainoo, all falling below the age threshold.
Manchester United’s summer arrivals, including Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, Sofyan Amrabat, and Sergio Reguilon, all feature in the squad. Another notable inclusion is Donny van de Beek, who was widely expected to be sold by the club during the recent transfer window but remained on the roster.
Official Manchester United squad registration:
Goalkeepers: Onana, Bayindir, Heaton*.
Defenders: Lindelof, Maguire*, Martinez, Malacia, Reguilon, Varane, Dalot, Luke Shaw*, Wan Bissaka*, Evans*.
Midfielders: Amrabat, Mount*, Bruno Fernandes, Eriksen, Casemiro, Van De Beek, McTominay*.
Forwards: Pellistri, Martial, Rashford*, Antony, Sancho*.
(*) Homegrown players
Under-21 players at Manchester United exempt from registration: Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Hannibal Mejbri, Amad, Dan Gore, Omari Forson, Shola Shoretire.
