Chido Obi sends Ruben Amorim a Manchester United message ahead of January decision
Man Utd U21s were in action on Tuesday night as they defeated senior opposition in the National League Cup.
Chido Obi grabbed another goal as Manchester United U21s defeated Rochdale 2-0 in the National League Cup on Tuesday night.
Travis Binnion's side have a flawless record in the Premier League 2 this season but had yet to defeat senior opposition this campaign, after a defeat to Brackley Town in the non-league tournament and losses at Lincoln and Barnsley in the EFL Trophy.
Obi gave United the lead early on after impressive work from the standout performer Jim Thwaites, who won the ball back in the Rochdale area, before the striker produced a fine first-time finish into the corner. United gave a good account of themselves throughout the match and doubled their lead late on when Gibraltar international James Scanlon fired in at the back-post to seal the win.
Obi sends Amorim a message
Chido Obi made seven appearances for the Manchester United first-team last season but has not been involved in a single senior matchday squad this campaign. The 17-year-old has been one of the biggest losers from the lack of European football this season, while he might have also got some playing time had they gone further in the Carabao Cup.
The fact Obi is already a proven scorer at U21s level is a huge testament to his ability at such a young age, though he will be itching to get a chance at senior level again after having a taste of it earlier in the year. The Denmark U21 international has four goals and one assist for United in just nine appearances so far this season.
There has always been huge emphasis on Obi for the sheer volume of goals he notched during his time at Arsenal and his debut year with United, though most impressive this season have been the strides he has taken in other aspects of his game. The teenage striker is still as lethal as ever in front of goal, but has made improvements with his link-up play and teamwork in the final third, though there is clearly still work to be done.
Those characteristics will be vital if Obi is to get another chance in the first team this season, where there will be greater emphasis on his performances as part of an attacking unit, rather than as a lone wolf in the forward line. He is firmly on Ruben Amorim’s radar but needs patience this season if he is to get his chance.
Benjamin Sesko will start most matches, while Amorim would also favour a false nine like he deployed at Anfield, rather than start the teenager in any meaningful match for now. However, with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo both set to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations and Joshua Zirkzee eager to leave in January, it would not be a surprise if Obi returned to the first-team bench in the coming months.
In that case, there would be less pressure on him to perform like there was when he replaced Rasmus Hojlund earlier in the year, and it might only take one impressive cameo appearance for him to make that transition to the senior side permanent. What is clear is that he is still extremely raw, but with a month until his 18th birthday, that is to be expected of a player who has already achieved so much at such a young age.
Either way, a loan exit next year seems like a logical next step in his development, but it will depend on who is available at the senior level and how many competitions they compete across. Obi needs patience and persistence if he is to get another chance under Amorim. The chances will be there if he is willing to wait.
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