David de Gea included in Manchester United squad for Champions League play-off

David De Gea has been included in the Manchester United for the Champions League play-off stages despite Louis van Gaal's claims he would not play before the end of the transfer window.

The Dutchman decided to left the keeper out of the squad for the Premier League opener against Tottenham on 8 August, saying that he was not mentally ready to play due to the speculations linking him with a move to Real Madrid. This was on the back of an erratic performance in the last pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain on 29 July.

The Dutch boss claimed after victory over Spurs that the Spain international keeper may still have a future at Old Trafford but will not play again until the transfer window closes on 1 September.

"We have observed [De Gea] in preparation and that was not the same David de Gea as last year. Of course when the situation has been cleared after September 1 we will look again. But I'm happy Sergio [Romero] did well. He saved us twice. We have to improve his building up, but Sergio trained only two days with his fellow players," the manager said after the game.

However, the club have now announced that the keeper has been included in the squad alongside Anders Lindegaar, new signing Romero and Sam Johnstone for the Champions League play-off stages against Club Brugge that will take place on 18 and 26 August.

"Manchester United have confirmed the club's squad for the Champions League play-off stages. The Reds meet Club Brugge later this month, with the first leg taking place at Old Trafford on Tuesday 18 August before a trip to Belgium on Wednesday 26 August. The party submitted to UEFA includes all five new signings – Sergio Romero, Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Memphis Depay," the club confirmed.

Manchester United Champions League Play-Off Squad

Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Anders Lindegaard, Sergio Romero, Sam Johnstone

Defenders: Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, Paddy McNair, Matteo Darmian, Tyler Blackett

Midfielders: Adnan Januzaj, Michael Carrick, Daley Blind, Ashley Young, Ander Herrera, Antonio Valencia, Marouane Fellaini, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira

Forwards: Memphis Depay, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, James Wilson.