Manchester United have hidden advantage with Chido Obi 'blow' in Europa League

You know times are tough when a 17-year-old striker, who has made just three senior appearances, being ineligible to play in Europe is considered as a blow for Manchester United.

Chido Obi is not an ordinary teenager - he has the potential to become a first-team star - but the reaction to Obi being available in the Europa League shows how much United are struggling.

The reality of their current situation means Obi missing out in Europe is probably a small blow. The youngster made a positive impact from the bench against Fulham in the FA Cup last Sunday and Ruben Amorim praised his performance, but he is clearly not ready to be starting games.

Having said that, Obi provided some unpredictability in attack and he got into a few promising goalscoring positions when he was introduced in the 68th minute against Fulham.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have 12 goals between them in all competitions this season. After a bright start, Hojlund regressed against Fulham and didn't look like scoring, which is why it was helpful to have another option, Obi, available on the bench for the sake of variety.

However, that option will be withdrawn for the upcoming Round of 16 tie against Real Sociedad in the Europa League because Obi was not added to United's squad for the competition.

United added January signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven to their Europa League squad ahead of the knockout rounds, but Obi was not included and consequently can't feature.

Obi cannot be added to the Europa League squad B List - which usually allows young players from the academy to be added - because he does not fit the criteria, with UEFA rules stating that players must have been at the club for a minimum of two years to be included via that route.

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