Manchester United’s promising young striker, Chido Obi, will miss the upcoming Europa League last-16 tie against Real Sociedad due to ineligibility. According to ESPN, manager Ruben Amorim did not register the 17-year-old for the competition, leaving him unavailable for selection.
Obi’s Rise and Limited Opportunities
Obi, who joined Manchester United from Arsenal in October 2024, has made just three senior appearances for the club so far. His most notable performance came during United’s FA Cup elimination against Fulham on Sunday, where he impressed as a substitute. Despite his limited playing time, Obi’s potential has sparked discussions about his readiness for a more prominent role in the team.
Questions Over Højlund’s Form
Obi’s performance against Fulham led to questions about whether he could replace under-pressure forward Rasmus Højlund, who has struggled to find the net since December. However, Amorim’s decision not to register Obi for the Europa League means the young striker will not feature in the crucial round-of-16 first leg against Real Sociedad on Thursday.
Europa League Squad Updates
Manchester United added January signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven to their Europa League squad ahead of the knockout rounds. Obi, however, was overlooked for registration as he was not considered a first-team player at the time.
What’s Next for Obi?
While Obi’s absence from the Europa League squad is a setback, his recent performances suggest he could play a more significant role in domestic competitions.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Amorim gives the young striker more opportunities to shine in the Premier League and other tournaments.