Why Chido Obi is Missing from Manchester United's Europa League Squad: A Detailed Insight

Who is Chido Obi?

Chido Obi, a 17-year-old forward, joined Manchester United from Arsenal's academy in October last year. Known for his remarkable skills, Obi scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 FA Youth Cup victory over Chelsea on February 12. This performance earned him a spot in the first team amidst injuries and a shortage of forward options, especially with Marcus Rashford and Antony on loan.

His Impact in the First Team

Obi's Premier League debut came as a substitute in a narrow 1-0 loss to Tottenham, marking him as United's third-youngest ever player in the league. His third appearance was in the FA Cup against Fulham, where he showcased his potential by taking three shots, forcing Fulham's goalkeeper Bernd Leno into a fantastic save.

Ineligibility for the Europa League

Despite his promising performances, Obi is not part of Manchester United's Europa League squad. The club stated that he is "ineligible for the competition" and cannot feature in European matches this season. This decision stems from UEFA's rules, which allow clubs to register up to 25 'A' list players and additional 'B' list players under specific conditions. Obi does not meet these criteria, as he only joined United from Arsenal in October 2022.

Domestic Competition Participation

In contrast, Premier League rules differ, featuring an 'Under 21' list separate from the 25-man squad roster. This inclusion allows Obi to participate in domestic competitions, providing him with valuable experience while still being ineligible for European play.

Looking Ahead

Manchester United's hopes for European football next season hinge on their performance in the current Europa League. Meanwhile, Obi's development continues in the domestic arena, where he is expected to gain more experience and possibly make a significant impact in the future.