Man Utd cut three stars from Europa League squad ahead of Barcelona

MANCHESTER UNITED have announced their Europa League knockout squad for the Barcelona clash with three players being cut for January signings.

Departed stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Axel Tuanzebe and Martin Dubravka were all dropped from the Red Devils’ 25-man list.

They have made way for January arrivals Marcel Sabitzer, Wout Weghorst and Jack Butland.

Donny van de Beek, meanwhile, keeps his place in the squad despite suffering a serious knee injury in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth last month.

The Dutchman is expected to be ruled out of action until the end of the season.

Boss Erik ten Hag said on Van de Beek: “On the long term, it is looking really good – he will be back for the start of pre-season.

“But for the rest of the season, he is out.

“I think everyone was really [sad], our thoughts are with him.

“It’s terrible when you are in a season and you get a bad tackle, a bad injury.”

Man Utd travel to the Camp Nou on February 16, with the return leg taking place a week later on the 23rd.

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A Premier League clash with Leicester in sandwiched between the Europa tie, and the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley follows the second leg on the 26th.

United are somewhat suffering a midfield crisis.

Van de Beek, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen are nursing injuries, while main man Casemiro picked up a three-game suspension in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.

The Brazil star put his hands around Will Hughes’ neck, and after a VAR check, the summer signing received his marching orders.