Man Utd might have to let go of a fan-favorite player because of a surprising rule that not many people know about.
Michael Carrick might have a tricky talk with one of his Manchester United players if the club makes a certain signing this summer.
Last season, United finished third in the Premier League and earned a spot in the Champions League for the first time in three years. To get ready for this big return to Europe’s top competition, the team plans to strengthen their squad. They’re expected to sign Atalanta’s midfielder Ederson after the World Cup. Other midfielders like Mateus Fernandes and Alex Scott are also being considered, along with potential additions for the left-back and left-wing positions, such as Crysensio Summerville and Lewis Hall.
One area that might not excite fans but needs attention is the backup goalkeeper spot. Senne Lammens is the clear number one, so Altay Bayindir will likely leave Old Trafford. United are looking to bring in Karl Darlow from Leeds United. Darlow’s contract ends this month, and Leeds’ manager Daniel Farke can’t promise him the starting spot next season. Joining United would give Darlow a chance to play in the Champions League and earn a higher salary.
However, Darlow’s arrival might mean trouble for young centre-back Ayden Heaven. The 19-year-old, who joined from Arsenal in February 2025, impressed last season with 19 appearances. He even helped United win three games in a row against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Brentford while the team dealt with injuries and suspensions. Heaven has become a great backup for Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire, especially while Matthijs de Ligt recovers from a back injury and Leny Yoro adjusts to English football.
But Heaven could miss out on the Champions League squad because of UEFA’s player registration rules. Even though he’s under 21, he’s not counted as a homegrown player yet because he’s only been at United for 16 months and was trained outside the club’s system. This means he might be left out when the Champions League squad is chosen later this year.
BBC’s Simon Stone explained this issue to The United Stand and suggested that signing Sam Johnstone from Wolverhampton Wanderers, who came through United’s own academy, could solve the problem.
He said, “Karl Darlow’s name has been mentioned. But I checked, and here’s the deal: For UEFA’s 25-man squads, you can have up to 17 players who weren’t developed in your country. Of the remaining eight spots, four must be players trained by your club and over 21, and the other four are for players trained elsewhere but over 21. Ayden Heaven came through Arsenal’s academy—not United’s—and though he’s under 21, he hasn’t been here for two years yet. That’s why he doesn’t count as a homegrown player yet.
“I’ve also heard about Sam Johnstone, who would count as homegrown because he came through Man United’s academy. If United bring in Karl Darlow, who’s English but trained elsewhere, it could mean they have to leave Ayden Heaven out of European games since he’s not a club-trained player.”