Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that, due to Chido Obi-Martin’s ineligibility, an academy striker will start against Real Sociedad, replacing Rasmus Hojlund.
Obi-Martin, a 17-year-old Danish forward who joined United from Arsenal in October 2024, has been impressive in recent Premier League appearances. However, UEFA regulations require players to have been registered with their club for two uninterrupted years to qualify for the B List, rendering Obi-Martin ineligible for the Europa League.
With Hojlund struggling for form, having scored only seven goals in 35 appearances this season, Amorim has turned to the academy to bolster the attack. The identity of the academy striker set to start remains undisclosed, but options include Alejandro Garnacho, who made his first senior start for United in October 2022 and scored his first Premier League goal in November 2022.
Manchester United faces Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, with the match scheduled for 5:45 PM Irish time. The team is dealing with a depleted squad, including injuries to key players like Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte. Amorim’s decision to promote an academy striker underscores his commitment to integrating young talent into the first team amid challenging circumstances.
