Out-of-favour Ighalo included in Man United’s Champions League squad

NIGERIAN striker Odion Ighalo has been included in Manchester United’s squad for this season’s UEFA Champions League group stages, Naija Times reports.

Clubs are required to submit an A list of 25 senior players for the first stage of the competition days before their opening matches.

There is also a B list of homegrown players 21 years old or younger.

Ighalo, whose loan deal at United ends in January, is on the A list as one of the four forwards. There had been speculation the former Super Eagles star could be excluded following the arrival of Edinson Cavani but both strikers are included.

Ighalo has had a poor start to the season. He has played only nine minutes of Premier League football and was not in the matchday squad for two of United’s three Premier League games.

The other deadline day signings, Alex Telles and Facundo Pellistri, are also included.

Manchester United’s Champions League opening group fixture is against Paris Saint-Germain on 20 October.

Homegrown youngsters such as Mason Greenwood, Teden Mengi and Brandon Williams can remain on the B list, which could be added to up to 24 hours before any particular fixture.