Chido Obi is missing from Man Utd's Europa League clash and here is why it could be good news

Chido Obi isn’t your average 17-year-old—he’s a rising star with the potential to break into Manchester United’s first team.

Yet, his absence from the Europa League squad has sparked mixed feelings among fans, especially after his eye-catching cameo in the FA Cup. While it might seem like a blow, this could turn into a hidden advantage for the Red Devils in the Premier League.

Obi joined United from Arsenal last summer and has been tearing it up for the academy, earning a senior debut off the bench against Fulham in the FA Cup.

The teenager nearly etched his name in folklore, striking the post in the 100th minute of a tense fifth-round clash. United ultimately fell to penalties and exited the cup, leaving the Europa League as their last shot at a trophy this season.

However, Obi won’t feature in Europe—he wasn’t named in the revised squad list for the knockout stages, ruling him out of Thursday’s Round of 16 clash with Real Sociedad and beyond.

At first glance, that’s a gut punch. Fans buzzed with excitement when Obi stepped onto the pitch against Fulham, and his near-miss showed his potential.

But here’s the twist: sidelining him from Europe might just sharpen United’s edge in the league. Ruben Amorim opted for Obi over Rasmus Højlund in that FA Cup tie, and the switch paid off—the attack looked livelier with the youngster’s hunger and movement.

While a start against Arsenal this weekend feels unlikely, Obi’s FA Cup spark could earn him more substitute appearances as the season unfolds.

United’s goal-scoring woes have been a headache for Amorim, who’s openly lamented the team’s blunt edge. With no midweek Europa League minutes to tire him out, Obi could emerge as a fresh, unpredictable weapon in the Premier League—a competition that arguably matters more to fans and the club’s long-term ambitions.

Far from a setback, Obi’s European exclusion might just set him up to shine where it counts. Keep an eye on this kid—he could be United’s secret weapon.