Manchester United’s Under 18 squad will be without rising star Chido Obi in their FA Youth Cup quarter-final clash with Arsenal.
Despite being one of the standout players for United’s youth side, Obi will not feature in this high-stakes match, as he has been kept with the first team following his recent promotion.
Promoted to First Team After Injury to Amad Diallo
The 17-year-old forward joined Manchester United from Arsenal in October and has since made a significant impact in the Youth Cup, scoring seven goals in just three appearances.
However, after Amad Diallo’s season-ending injury, Obi was swiftly moved up to the senior squad by manager Ruben Amorim.
This promotion led to his debut against Tottenham and more minutes in the 2-2 draw with Everton, where he impressed fans and staff alike with his ability to make a difference on the field.
Missing Out on Arsenal Clash
Unfortunately for the youth team, Obi won’t be available to face his former club, Arsenal, as he is focusing on preparing with the first team for their upcoming FA Cup tie against Fulham.
This decision has left manager Adam Lawrence with a notable gap in the attacking lineup, as Obi had been a crucial player for the Under 18s.
Lawrence had praised Obi’s performance in the previous round, where the young talent scored a hat-trick against Chelsea, and will now rely on other players like James Scanlon, who netted twice in the same match, and Gabriele Biancheri, who had a hat-trick of his own against Coventry City.
Chido Obi’s Potential and First Team Future
The question of Obi’s availability for the Youth Cup match against Arsenal had been a topic of speculation throughout the week.
Despite his success with the Under 18s, the focus shifted to his role with the first team.
While Obi did not feature as a substitute in United’s 3-2 win over Ipswich, Amorim has shown great belief in the teenager’s potential.
Following his debut, Amorim spoke highly of Obi’s intelligence on the pitch, saying he has a knack for picking up key moments when his team needs him most.
With his promising start in the senior squad, Obi’s future at Manchester United looks bright, and he’s expected to push for more opportunities with the first team, with Amorim and his staff already impressed by his growth.
United’s decision to prioritize Obi’s development with the first team marks a significant step in the teenager’s career, although it means he will miss the opportunity to shine in tonight’s youth match against Arsenal.