Chido Obi has quickly realised the peaks and troughs of professional football this season after a breakout last season with Manchester United.
From getting his senior debut and becoming Man Utd’s third-youngest debutant in the Premier League, to being called out by Ruben Amorim this season for his passive-aggressive response, it’s been quite a journey.
Chido Obi has gone back to work on his game with the U21s setup, where he has gathered rave reviews, even though Amorim has been less kind.
Ruben Amorim believes Harry Amass and Chido Obi would not make an impact in the Man Utd first team 🤔
What do you think of Amorim’s comments? Is he making a good point, or is he losing it?
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Now that he has grown and developed his game a bit more, here’s what Man Utd think of his first-team prospects after he took a step back this season.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty ImagesChido Obi’s Man Utd first-team chances
When Obi received his senior debut last year, there was no inkling among Man Utd fans that it was borne out of necessity.
After all, United had beaten competition from pretty much every other elite European club for his signature, so a debut seemed like a promise fulfilled.
This year, when Rasmus Hojlund was sold to bring in Benjamin Sesko, it was widely believed that Obi would be a first-team fixture.
However, it hasn’t transpired that way, as he hasn’t even made the squad when Sesko was injured, let alone gotten some minutes.
According to The Athletic, that has been intentional, as United believe his game is best served by staying with the U21s this season, with the club not even looking to send him out on loan.
Obi is reported to be “disappointed” with the club’s decision, but has taken it in stride and tried to improve his game.
United still believe he can mature into a top scorer for the first team due to his ‘ice-cold’ finishing, but aren’t ready to repeat their mistake of fast-tracking him again.
United are managing expectations with Obi
The widespread belief was that Obi would kick on this season and become Sesko’s backup, but the club are clearly managing expectations with the player.
Does Ruben Amorim need to improve his use of the academy?⭐️
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Despite Obi believing that he could have been the club’s second striker this season, he didn’t show enough during last season’s appearances to get United to believe the same.
Leading the line for United is not for the faint-hearted, as Sesko is also realising right now, and Rasmus Hojlund realised earlier.
To put that pressure on an 18-year-old prospect who isn’t even scoring regularly for the U21s wouldn’t have been wise.
United’s stance on Obi should be appreciated, and if the player takes this in his stride and improves, as he has done so far, then everyone will be a winner from this.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox