Chido Obi can expect to pick up some important minutes in the Premier League for Manchester United before the season comes to a close.
After Manchester United beat Lyon in the Europa League, Ruben Amorim confirmed he will take a risk on academy players in the remaining league games.
He kept to that promise as United lost 1-0 to Wolves on Sunday afternoon. Tyler Fredricson was superb on his senior debut, while Harry Amass was United’s man of the match.
While the defensive duo started the match, Amorim decided in the second half to replace Rasmus Hojlund with Chido Obi for the remaining 20 minutes.
With Hojlund in a confidence crisis and Joshua Zirkzee out for the season with an injury, there is a golden opportunity for Obi to pick up more minutes in the league.
Chido Obi reveals message from Ruben Amorim after debut
Obi made his senior United debut against Tottenham back in February when he came off the bench late on.
He became United’s 252nd academy product to feature in the first team, and he was presented a framed photo by the club to celebrate his achievement alongside Amass, who became United’s 253rd academy debutant.
After receiving his framed photo and having his name added to the wall, Obi was asked how he felt about his move to Manchester.
Speaking to MUTV, he said: “I definitely feel like it was the right move, I just need to keep working hard.”
When asked about his conversations with Amorim, Obi revealed what the United coach told him: “He’s just told me to be humble and to keep working hard every day and that should give me more opportunities soon.
“My dad and my mum always told me to be a good person and listen to my coaches as they want me to get better.”
Amorim has put his full faith in Chido Obi this season, and the 17-year-old will hope to become a regular first-teamer next season.
Man United are missing Chido Obi in the Europa League
It is no secret that Amorim is prioritising the Europa League this season as the only remaining route to qualify for the Champions League.
That is why there is an opportunity for academy players to impress in the remaining Premier League matches, as there is nothing left to play for domestically for United.
But with Hojlund struggling in front of goal, Amorim will be frustrated that Obi is not in United’s Europa League squad.
Zirkzee’s injury absence means that Amorim has no replacement for Hojlund if he picks up an injury or is in poor form.
If Obi was registered by United, there is a good chance he would get even more minutes under his belt in the Europa League this season.
The Red Devils are next in Europa League action on May 1st when they face Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their semi-final.
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