'Very clever' - Ruben Amorim gives Chido Obi verdict after Manchester United debut
Man Utd forward Chido Obi made his debut in the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Ruben Amorim believes Chido Obi is capable of making a difference for Manchester United after he made his debut in their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
United were forced to make four changes to their starting line up for their trip to North London after a horrendous week in training that saw them suffer six fresh setbacks due to illness and injury. United were without 12 senior players in total at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium and named a bench that consisted of eight players who had never made a competitive appearance for the club.
That number was reduced to seven when teenage forward Obi made his debut in the dying moments of the match, though it proved to be too little too late as United fell to yet another Premier League defeat. Obi could get further opportunities before the end of the season and Amorim is encouraged with what he has seen so far from the former Arsenal forward.
Amorim gives verdict on Chido Obi
Obi did not manage a single touch of the ball during his three minutes on the pitch at Tottenham, though Amorim is aware it would only have taken one for him to rescue a point for his side. The 17-year-old has scored 12 goals in 12 appearances at youth level and could get more chances in the first-team amid their lack of attacking options.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Amorim said: “I think if you see Chido playing sometimes, every ball lost in the box, he’s very clever. So, I was trying to put one more player [in there]. I felt the team was good during the game and I didn’t feel the need to change. Then, Chido was like that player, one long ball in and he could make the difference.”
After the defeat, many United supporters voiced their frustration at the fact only one player made their debut in the match. Amorim appreciated the concern, but insisted a patient approach was required with fellow youngsters Elyh Harrison, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone and Jack Moorhouse.
“They will play during this season. We will have games in the cup and Europe and they will play," he told Sky Sports. "I feel it, I think everybody can feel it, we are near the goal, I don't want to change the players when we are near it. You grow and you learn a lot of things. We just need to face it and not run away, that is my feeling. Today will hurt, it is a tough pain to lose so many games, but then you can change things in a week."