Manchester United academy striker Chido Obi has had a difficult season, but is finding real form right now under Adam Lawrence.
After skyrocketing last season from U18 football to starting Premier League matches for Ruben Amorim’s terrible side, Chido Obi’s second season at Manchester United has been more measured.
Obi stepped back into academy football, with the idea being that he needed to work on his overall game, and it has worked a treat.
With improved link-up play, pressing, and teamwork, Obi has become a far superior striker to the one who made his United debut at 17.
Now, in the Premier League 2 semi-final against Manchester City, he’s proven to Michael Carrick that he deserves another shot.
Would you give Chido Obi another chance in the first-team?
He's improved a lot for Manchester United…
Chido Obi’s performance vs Manchester City deserves Michael Carrick recognition
As United beat City 4-3 at the Joie Stadium to progress to the Premier League 2 final for this season, Obi scored twice for United.
The goals were true strikers’ goals, headed finishes in the six-yard box, with his teammates serving up the chances on a platter – first Victor Musa and then Shea Lacey.
Obi finished the chances so well, taking his tally to 15 goals and five assists for the U21s this season, with another five goals and three assists for the U18s.
- Chido Obi has a combined 20 goals and eight assists this season across youth levels.
This record has crept up in the background this season, but now it is one Carrick must acknowledge.
Obi’s two goals against City came at the perfect time, in front of first-team coaches and at a time when Carrick will be looking for academy players to use, with Champions League football wrapped up.
Staking his claim to return to the first-team set-up against Nottingham Forest or Brighton to conclude this season.
It would be exactly what he deserves after a really strong campaign.
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Chido Obi could have blockbuster end to the season for Manchester United
Obi’s season is far from over, and the next two weeks could see him head into the summer on the mind of Carrick and Jason Wilcox.
First, Obi will have the chance to beat City again next week, this time in the FA Youth Cup final with United battling the Cityzens.
Then, Obi will also hopefully be involved in the Premier League 2 final.
All being well, the Dane might also get a chance then to feature in Carrick’s first-team squad at the very end of this season.
If he gets this chance, Obi will be able to prove he’s improved since last season and show Ineos that they don’t need a Benjamin Sesko back-up in the summer.
Obi has staked his claim this season and now deserves a reward from United.
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