Explained: Why Man Utd can't use teenage sensation Chido Obi-Martin in Europa League with Ruben Amorim forced to pin trophy hopes on goal-shy Rasmus Hojlund

The youngster, who joined the Red Devils from Arsenal in October 2024, has been fast-tracked into the senior ranks of late. He has made three senior appearances for United, with the most recent of those seeing him step off the bench in a FA Cup fifth-round clash with Fulham.

Chido Obi looked lively in that contest, coming close to grabbing himself a goal, and the expectation is that he will see more minutes over the coming weeks. He will not, however, be available to Ruben Amorim in continental competition.

That is because the 17-year-old is ineligible. United did add January signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven to their Europa League squad ahead of the knockout rounds, but ESPN claims that Chido Obi was overlooked as he “was not considered a first-team player at the time”.

He does not qualify for a place on the B list – which is made up of young professionals – due to having not been with United for a minimum term of two years. That means Amorim, who only named seven substitutes against Fulham, will be relying on others again when facing Sociedad.

Rasmus Hojlund is likely to lead the line, but he has just seven goals to his name this season – with the last of those coming 18 appearances ago on December 12. Joshua Zirkzee will also be low on confidence after missing from the penalty spot during United’s disappointing shootout defeat to Fulham.