Manchester United will be unable to include Chido Obi in their Europa League roster for the rest of the season, as he was not part of their updated squad list for the tournament. United is set to play Real Sociedad in the first leg of their last 16 matchup later this week.
The 17-year-old made a notable impact from the bench as United was eliminated from the FA Cup by Fulham over the weekend, showing a performance that indicated he was prepared for more first-team chances. Obi generated three significant opportunities during his time on the field and nearly secured the victory for United when he shot wide of the goal with the final kick of regular time, and also had a strong attempt saved by Bernd Leno in extra time. The young forward did not participate in the penalty shootout that followed, as Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee both had their penalties stopped.
Numerous United fans have called for Obi to receive more playing time during their match against Real Sociedad in the Europa League this week, but the young striker will not be eligible to play in the game.
Chido Obi ruled out of Europa League campaign
Chido Obi was not on the registration list for Manchester United when they submitted their original squad for the Europa League in September, nor was he included in the updated squad list submitted last month.
All teams remaining in the Europa League were allowed to enroll three new A-list players before the deadline of 24:00 CET on Thursday, February 6. Manchester United included January signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven in their list for the remainder of the tournament but did not register Chido Obi as he was not deemed a first-team choice at that time. Obi made his debut for United on February 16 during a period when an injury crisis left Ruben Amorim without nine senior players for the match against Fulham.
Given his age, one might think the 17-year-old could easily be added to the B-List, which allows an unlimited number of young players to be included in the squad ahead of each matchday. However, UEFA regulations specify that only ‘club-trained players born on or after January 1, 2003, who have been with their club for an uninterrupted period of at least two years, can be selected’ for the B-List. Because Chido Obi joined the club from Arsenal last season, he does not meet the criteria to be included on the B-List.