Manchester United youngster Chido Obi made his first team debut as a late substitute in a win vs Tottenham.
Chido Obi became Manchester United’s 252nd academy graduate when he came on as a late substitute in the defeat away at Tottenham.
Obi’s introduction was a last throw of the dice from United, also reflective of a lack of depth. But it was also a deserved reward for a player who has demonstrated great progress at youth level.
He is the all-time leading scorer at Premier League under-18s level, and has 15 goals at youth level since making his United academy debut in October.
The 17-year-old struck a hat-trick in midweek in the FA Youth Cup, his seventh goal in three games in the competition this season.
Chido Obi talent backed
Manchester United have struggled to score goals this season and while Chido Obi’s introduction against Spurs was too late to influence the game, it offered hope that change could be on the horizon.
Obi is expected to see more minutes between now and the end of the season, and these opportunities have been earned.
Speaking ahead of kick-off, former Manchester United academy forward Danny Webber explained what he likes about Chido Obi’s game, praising his FA Youth Cup showing.
Webber explained: “He was really good. I like watching him because I’m a big fan of forwards, big fan of strikers in particular. But more to the point, it’s a case of somebody who’s got a skill set.
“A lot of people go and play as a nine and go and play up front, but from his point of view, he knows the movements.
“He knows when to come to feet, how to hold people off, spin in behind, and more importantly, he knows where the goal is.
“I watched his performance against Chelsea in the Youth Cup the other night, he didn’t even play the full 90. He managed to get his hat trick and he played a big part. He’s a good player.”
Even though Arsenal have their own injury crisis up front, Obi’s decision to join Manchester United has already been justified.
The promising forward has clearly caught the eye of Ruben Amorim, and fans are keen to see more of him.
Harry Amass also praised
Along with Chido Obi, a number of young talents made the United bench. These included Elyh Harrison, Tyler Fredricson, Harry Amass, Jack Moorhouse, Sekou Kone, and recent signing Ayden Heaven.
Webber explained that Harry Amass also caught his eye during Obi’s hat-trick performance, commenting that he likes what he has seen from the promising left-back.
He commented: “He was another one who played well. When you are a fullback, you are expected nowadays to get up, get back, you know, high intensity all the time.
“And I felt he chose his times to go forward well, when to tuck back in. He really benefited from this preseason with the first team. And I feel that there’s a lot of potential in Harry.”
Amass is still awaiting his first team debut. He made the United bench at the end of last season under Erik ten Hag, and impressed on the tour of the USA.
It is only a matter of time before his breakthrough comes, and this was the first time he has made a matchday squad under Ruben Amorim.
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