Ruben Amorim defends Man United’s failure to register 17-year-old star Chido Obi in the Europa League
- Ruben Amorim has defended Manchester United’s failure to regiser Chido Obi
- Obi, 17, will not be able to compete in the Europa League for the rest of the season
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Ruben Amorim has defended Manchester United’s decision not to include Chido Obi in their Europa League squad.
The 17-year-old striker has been prolific for United’s youth teams and came off the bench in three of the last four games with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling in front of goal.
But Obi was not added to United’s squad for Europe before the February deadline and has not travelled to Spain for Thursday’s last 16 clash with Real Sociedad.
‘It was a different context,’ said Amorim. ‘In that moment, Rasmus and Josh was playing in same position. So we try to manage all the things, even the expectations on the kids, so the context was completely different and we choose different players.’
Jack Fletcher was added to United’s squad for the knockout phase of the competition but was also missing from the squad that flew from Manchester on Wednesday afternoon after training at Carrington.
‘He didn’t train with us and he had a game before Fulham,’ added Amorim. ‘(Harry) Amass is here today. In the last game against Fulham we wanted Amass also, but because he played all game against Arsenal (in the FA Youth Cup) he was not in our squad.
Ruben Amorim has defended Manchester United after the Red Devils did not register youngster Chido Obi in the Europa League
The 17-year-old will not play part against Real Sociedad on Thursday and for remainder of the competition should the team progress
The Portuguese boss is left with a choice between Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee for the No 9 position
‘We tried to manage all the things there and imagine all the substitutions. And we know to bring some players is a big step and we are taking care of the expectations of the kids.
‘When I put the squad I see the players that I have, that train with us, then I imagine the substitutions. That’s why I call at one or two. Then I am trying to see if they train with us. Then I try to see if they come here to play or be on the bench for you guys to be seeing a lot of youth.
‘I am trying to manage everything. I know it is a big step for them, and I am trying to cope with everything. So when I do my squad I try to think in every aspect, the formation of the kid, our squad, and not what is going to look really well with the fans and the media.’
