After Manchester United’s 3-2 extra-time victory over Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals, teenager Chido Obi made a playful comment aimed at his former club, Arsenal.
The win, which secured a spot in the semi-finals, was sealed by a dramatic 99th-minute goal from substitute Bendito Mantato.
A Social Media Shout-Out to His Former Club
After Mantato’s decisive strike, which sent United through to the next round, he took to Instagram to celebrate, writing, “Right until the end, my team, onto the semis.”
Obi-Martin, who had left Arsenal for United in October, couldn’t resist commenting on the post, replying with “THANK YOU SO MUCH” followed by several laughing emojis, adding a cheeky twist to the celebration.
Obi’s Absence and Rise to First Team
Though Obi was not on the pitch for the quarter-final clash, his presence in the first team has been growing.
After Amad Diallo’s season-ending injury last month, the 17-year-old striker was promoted to Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Obi made his debut in the away game against Tottenham and also played in the 2-2 draw with Everton last week, showcasing his potential at the senior level.
Busy Schedule Leads to His Absence in London
Obi has been a standout performer for United’s Under 18s, scoring seven goals in their three previous Youth Cup matches.
However, he wasn’t part of the squad for the Arsenal game, as he had been with the first team ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup match against Fulham.
While there were discussions at Carrington about whether Obi would be granted permission to play for the U18s, his role with the first team took priority, with the focus on preparation and recovery for the senior match.
Amorim’s Faith in the Youngster
Ruben Amorim has been impressed with Obi’s progress since his promotion to the first team.
The coach praised Obi’s intelligence on the field, noting his cleverness when tracking lost balls in the box.
Despite not making a change during the match against Tottenham, Amorim highlighted Obi’s ability to make a difference, especially with a long ball.
What’s Next for Obi?
With his recent performances catching the eye of both Amorim and United fans, Obi’s future at the club looks bright.
He’ll be hoping to earn more first-team minutes in the coming weeks as he continues to impress.