How Chido Obi performed on first Man United start vs Brentford, 18-touch problem is all too familiar

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United academy wonderkid Chido Obi finally got his first start in the Premier League clash against Brentford.

When Ineos poached Chido Obi from Arsenal in the summer, Manchester United promised the young striker a clear pathway to the first team.

The Red Devils kept their promise with Obi becoming United’s youngest-ever starter in a Premier League match on Sunday afternoon.

Rasmus Hojlund was rested with the second leg of the Europa League semi-final in the back of Ruben Amorim’s mind. With Joshua Zirkzee out injured, it paved the way for Chido Obi to get some deserved experience as a starter.

Chido Obi match stats for Man United vs Brentford

Amorim has been full of praise for Obi this season and he put his trust in him to start against Brentford. While he was unable to get on the scoresheet, there were signs of promise.

United fans reacted to Obi’s display, pointing out that he lacked any real service from his teammates.

As a result, data provided by SofaScore shows that Obi endured a frustratingly quiet afternoon against Brentford.

Obi played the full 90 minutes against Brentford but only managed 18 touches on the ball – an average of one every five minutes.

He did attempt two shots, including one late in the second half which was well blocked by a defender.

In possession, Obi protected the ball well and completed nine of his 10 attempted passes, but in terms of duels, he won just 22%.

With more service, Obi will get the chance to show just how lethal he can be inside the 18-yard box.

Chido Obi suffers same issue as Rasmus Hojlund

Throughout the entire season, Rasmus Hojlund has faced heavy criticism for his inability to impact matches.

Hojlund took just 15 touches in the Manchester derby last month – a match where he found himself completely isolated.

United have struggled all season to get their striker involved in play, and unfortunately, Obi suffered the same fate against Brentford.

READ MORE: ‘Comet of the Year’… Chido Obi wins prestigious award after incredible Man United breakthrough

Amorim has spoke about United’s need to “help our strikers” this season, and Obi’s display on Sunday proved that it is more of a systematic issue than a personnel one.

Signing a new striker will be a top priority this summer, but it’s equally important that United’s creative players find a way to get the striker on the ball.