In the early hours of last Sunday morning, Chido Obi, the rising star at Manchester United, was out training alone.
At 7:15 AM, the 17-year-old donned his United tracksuit, topped with a black winter beanie, and set off to perfect his skills.
Despite the cold Manchester weather, he was hard at work, focusing on his movement and finishing, guided by his personal coach, Kudus Oyenuga.
This is no rare occasion for Obi, as he often gives up his days off to refine his game.
His dedication comes at a time when Manchester United has struggled to find the back of the net.
With the team enduring a dismal 10-game streak without scoring, the need for a fresh talent to spark their attack has never been more urgent.
Obi, however, would soon provide that much-needed spark, with a memorable FA Youth Cup hat-trick against Chelsea just days later, taking his tally to seven goals in three cup matches.
Chido Obi’s Journey to Manchester United
Obi’s arrival at Manchester United came after a high-profile transfer from Arsenal, with United’s head of academy Nick Cox and academy recruitment chief Luke Fedorenko leading the charge.
Since then, the club has worked diligently to keep expectations in check, despite Obi’s immense potential.
Sources at Carrington have emphasized the importance of avoiding the hype that surrounds this promising young talent, and both club officials and Obi himself have been careful to manage his media presence.
His exceptional performances on the pitch, including that stunning hat-trick against Chelsea, have inevitably drawn attention.
But despite the growing buzz around his name, Under 18s boss Adam Lawrence has remained tight-lipped in interviews, choosing not to fuel speculation.
Similarly, Obi has avoided media interviews, keeping a low profile even as his skills continue to impress.
A Bold Move and the Arsenal Connection
Before joining United, Obi had been with Arsenal for two years, during which the club made multiple attempts to keep him.
Arsenal offered him a lucrative contract, and first-team manager Mikel Arteta even tried to get him involved in senior team training and Under-21 fixtures.
But despite these efforts, Obi felt that his best chance at breaking into a first team lay elsewhere, leading him to make the move to Manchester.
The decision hasn’t been without controversy.
Some at Arsenal still feel that they did enough to persuade Obi to stay, but he was firm in his choice, believing that United would offer a clearer path to the senior squad.
Obi’s move wasn’t driven by financial incentives, but by his belief in United’s vision for his future.
Impressive Debut and the Road to First-Team Football
Obi’s debut for Manchester United’s Under 18s was nothing short of spectacular.
He marked his first game with a hat-trick, scoring within 14 seconds of kick-off, underlining his exceptional talent.
His dominance at the Under 18 level soon saw him break records, becoming the top scorer in the Under 18 Premier League with 37 goals in just 26 matches.
By October, Obi made his debut for the Under 21s, and now, after a series of impressive performances, he’s on the brink of making an impact at the senior level.
His recent call-up to first-team training has been the culmination of months of hard work, and his ability to adapt quickly has impressed coach Ruben Amorim and his staff.
Embracing the Spotlight and the First-Team Call-Up
Obi’s integration into the first team has been seamless, thanks in part to the mentorship of senior players like Joshua Zirkzee, who has taken on an “older brother” role, and fellow Dane Patrick Dorgu, who has helped him settle in the dressing room.
His unique skill set—particularly his ability to make dangerous runs behind opposing defenses—has caught the attention of first-team staff.
His performances in training are being closely monitored, and there’s growing belief that he has what it takes to make a significant contribution to United’s attack.
After his hat-trick against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup, Obi was quickly brought into first-team training, where he impressed even further.
His development has continued to accelerate, and it wasn’t long before he found himself on the bench for a Premier League match against Tottenham.
Although his appearance came late in the game, Obi’s presence was a sign of his rising stature within the club.
A Bright Future Ahead
Obi’s debut in the Premier League at such a young age has made headlines, with many praising United’s decision to give him a chance.
Former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel commented on his potential, noting that the young Dane could be a game-changer for the club.
Despite the team’s struggles to score, Obi’s arrival offers a glimmer of hope for United fans craving a new attacking force.
As Obi continues to impress, he has set his sights on becoming the youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer for Manchester United.
With just over five months left in the season, he has an opportunity to etch his name into the club’s history books.
If he can achieve this feat, it will not only be a personal triumph but a reminder to Arsenal of what they let slip through their fingers.
For now, Chido Obi’s journey is just beginning, and the future looks incredibly bright for this young talent at Manchester United.
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