Manchester United progressed in the FA Youth Cup on Friday night as the U18’s beat Preston 5-2.
It was another comfortable – for the most part – night out for Adam Lawrence and his rampant Red Devils.
The Manchester United U18 side returned from their winter hiatus but have not missed a beat – continuing where they left off, scoring five in the FA Youth Cup.
United beat Preston 5-2, going 4-0 up with ease to kill the game off.
The game came without the recently injured Gabriele Biancheri, which cleared the stage for Chido Obi – with the Dane scoring his 9th and 10th United academy goal of the season.
The prolific forward has always been an elite goal scorer, but he’s taking his game to new heights.
Chido Obi demonstrates his evolution as a striker
Ever since Obi joined United from Arsenal in October, the Danish U18 international has been red hot and proving he deserves his status as one of the biggest talents in England.
Obi has played for the U21s, but on Friday, he was in U18 action and bagged himself a brace. Yet it was not his goals that were the most interesting part of his performance.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
The second goal Obi scored saw the No.9 dribble and trick his way through the Preston defence before slotting his finish perfectly past the goalkeeper.
This is an evolution in Obi’s game from a player who was viewed by many academy experts to be more of a poacher-styled number nine. Obi also showed this in the build-up to Jack Fletcher’s goal.
Obi has demonstrated excellent all-round No.9 play in this performance which is an encouraging development in his game. This is something which could soon become unavoidable for the decision-makers at Carrington.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Ruben Amorim’s future Manchester United striker is emerging quicker than expected
With such impressive performances for the U18s, Obi will look favourably upon his chances of progressing into Ruben Amorim’s plans.
Rasmus Hojlund has been struggling over the past few weeks, while there is a distinct lack of goal threat from Joshua Zirkzee despite his qualities in other ways.
Meanwhile, Obi boasts impressive finishing and is now adding link-up and hold-up play to his skillset – not to mention physical traits – which point toward the 17-year-old being far more rounded than his senior teammates.
Obi has a huge chance to take the first-choice striker role, with Obi tipped to debut in 2025 for the senior side.
Amorim wants striker reinforcements this year, yet the answer to his problems could already be available to him in Obi who is taking his game to new heights in 2025.
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