Ruben Amorim and Manchester United were allowed to change up their Europa League squad ahead of their knockout fixtures in the competition but overlooked one star
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has explained why Chido Obi was left out of the club’s Europa League squad, pointing to the “different context” at the time changes to the squad were made.
Clubs are allowed to make three alterations to their European squads for the second half of the campaign, allowing mid-season signings to be added. United’s fellow Premier League side benefited from the allowance in their Champions League first leg win away to Club Brugge, where new arrival Marco Asensio was among the scorers.
United only made two signings in the winter window, with Ayden Heaven joining from Arsenal and Patrick Dorgu completing a big-money move from Lecce. With Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia leaving on loan, there was space for a third new addition to the European squad.
Players born after January 1, 2003 can be included in teams ‘B’ squad for European competition, but they only qualify if they have been with their club for two or more years. This meant Obi – signed from Arsenal in October 2024 – would have needed to be added to the main ‘A’ list.
Ultimately, the striker was overlooked in favour of Jack Fletcher, who moved to United from Manchester City in April last year. With Fletcher absent from the travelling squad to take on Real Sociedad this week, and with regular strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling in front of goal, the omission of Obi has come back into focus.
Obi, 17, made his Premier League debut against Tottenham in February and impressed as a substitute during the FA Cup fifth round defeat to Fulham. As Amorim told reporters, though, the picture was different when the squad was chosen.
“A different context,” the former Sporting CP boss said. “In that moment, Ras and Josh playing in same position, try to manage all the things, even expectation of the kids. We choose different players.”
Will Manchester United regret not calling up Chido Obi? Have your say in the comments section
Amorim had the option of including more ‘B’ list youngsters in his travelling squad, but has instead opted against using the full allocation of substitutes for the away leg. “I am trying to manage everything, it is a big step for them,” he said when asked about the decision.
“I am trying to think about every aspect. I am not thinking about what it will look like with their friends and the media.”
United’s FA Cup elimination leaves the Europa League as their only remaining chance of a trophy this term. Toby Collyer has returned from injury to take his place in the squad, but Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte have joined an injury list which already includes senior stars such as Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.
Amorim reached the quarter-finals of the competition with Sporting in 2023, and recognises success would bring the reward of a spot in next season’s Champions League. “If we win the Europa League, we will be in an amazing position next season,” he added.
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