A highly regarded academy product was also included in Manchester United’s updated Europa League squad, which also included the addition of Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, both of whom were signed in January.
This week, it was revealed that Chido Obi, a young forward, will not be participating in the remainder of United’s Europa League campaign. The team’s next match is scheduled to take place away against Real Sociedad on Thursday night.
After the squad registration deadline for the league phase had passed in September, the 17-year-old player, who impressed on Sunday after replacing Rasmus Hojlund, joined United. This occurred after the deadline had passed.
Following the conclusion of the winter transfer window, United had the opportunity to make three changes to their roster, just like every other club that advanced to the knockout phase of the Europa League.
They made the decision to bring in Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven in addition to academy product Jack Fletcher, who is the son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher. This decision was made after Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Antony all left on loan deals earlier this season.
Under the direction of Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, the seventeen-year-old player has been included in a number of matchday squads, including the one that was used for the Premier League match against Spurs a month ago.
In light of the fact that Fletcher had only recently joined United from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, he was not qualified to be included on the Europa League B-List prior to the winter transfer window.
The midfielder, on the other hand, will be able to play against Real Sociedad after being included in the 25-man A-List. This is in contrast to Chido Obi, who did not join United until September after his schoolboy contract with Arsenal expired as a result of his departure from Arsenal.
Before each matchday, a youth player would be added to the B-List, which effectively allows an unlimited number of young players to be added to the squad. This happens the majority of the time.
Only club-trained players who were born on or after January 1, 2003 and who have been with their employers for a continuous period of at least two years are eligible to be considered for selection on the B-List, as stipulated by the regulations of the European Union Football Association (UEFA).
To see how fans responded to Fletcher’s inclusion, here are some examples from social media.
Someone remarked, “So one of our few attacking options is not qualified to compete in the one competition that we are still entered in?” Unbelievable. One person commented, “Jack Fletcher was selected, and we were only able to make three changes.” Another person said, “Nice planning as always.” What is it, is what it is.
A third person submitted the following message: “Would be somewhat understandable… but only if Jack Fletcher had been given any minutes up to this point and will get any minutes on Thursday.” While it is true that Obi’s rise has been unexpected, it is also true that the lack of goals and attackers has been a well-known and persistent issue.
“Why Fletcher?” asked a fourth individual. According to a fifth source, “The squad was submitted last month, but the inclusion of Fletcher leaves no room for Chido, Kone, Graczyk, or Harrison.” He has not even been given a sniff of first team game time.
What do you think about the chances of United winning the Europa League? Leave a comment below and let us know.
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