Manchester United are close to completing what is technically their third signing of the summer as teenage sensation Chido Obi-Martin is set for Old Trafford.
The 16-year-old striker rejected Arsenal’s offer of professional terms to sign for United in a huge statement of intent by the club.
While he is not expected to join the first team straight away, it would be a major surprise if he didn’t end this season with a senior appearance or two.
Obi-Martin comes highly rated, as his goals plundering at the youth level was borderline stuff of legends.
Now, Amad might just have revealed why the prodigy chose United over other clubs when there was so much interest in him.
Amad gives crucial insight, relates to Chido Obi-Martin
Amad spoke to the media ahead of United’s game vs Real Betis on August 1 and he talked about various things United.
Of course, since the club hasn’t announced the deal yet, he wasn’t going to talk about it openly but some of his comments provide crucial insight as to why the 16-year-old chose United.
The Ivorian waxed lyrical about the pathway at the club and the manager’s ability to nurture young talent into superstars.
Most importantly, it isn’t just lip service, as United have multiple players to point to as a result of Ten Hag’s expertise in bringing along players.
He said: “The manager believes in young players. You bring Garnacho in two years ago. They give him a lot of game time and he brings Kobbie in last season.
“He gave him game time and this season I think he brings other players, young Academy players and I think the manager believes a lot in young players and this is the most important thing and I hope this season he is going to give me a lot of game time.”
The “project” is bearing fruit
A major factor behind Ten Hag staying this season despite last year’s embarrassment was how he valued the United tradition of bringing through young players.
The two players mentioned by Amad are the crown jewel of that thinking and it is clear from Obi-Martin’s move that a message has been sent to the footballing world.
For years, the best young prospects would happily commit to Borussia Dortmund because they knew a pathway was open for them there.
United look like they have managed to become the choice of club for exciting youngsters to realise their potential because the proof is in the pudding.
It is not a long time since their charm offensive for Jude Bellingham failed when he was leaving Birmingham. So this is a major win for Ineos and Ten Hag’s project that Obi-Martin has rejected other clubs to sign at Old Trafford.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
