Manchester United Academy striker Chido Obi reached a significant milestone in his young career on Sunday, making his senior debut in the final moments of the team’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
The 17-year-old forward, who joined United from Arsenal in October last year, has been a standout performer in the club’s youth setup. His impressive displays earned him a call-up to the senior squad, and with United chasing a late equaliser in London, he was brought on in place of Casemiro during stoppage time. While the team couldn’t find the back of the net before the final whistle, the occasion marked a proud moment for the young striker.
Since arriving from Arsenal, Obi has demonstrated immense potential. He made an electrifying debut for United’s Under-18s, scoring a stunning 15-minute hat-trick against Nottingham Forest. His goal-scoring prowess has been consistent throughout the season, netting five goals in six U18 Premier League appearances.
His impact has been even more remarkable in the FA Youth Cup, where he has scored seven times in just three matches. This includes braces against Coventry and Preston, as well as another hat-trick in the fifth-round victory over Chelsea at Leigh Sports Village.
Beyond the U18s, Obi has also gained valuable experience with the Under-21s, making two appearances in the Premier League 2 this year. Earlier this month, he played the full 90 minutes against Tottenham’s youth side, further proving his readiness for senior-level football.
Obi’s inclusion in the matchday squad against Tottenham wasn’t unexpected. With multiple injuries and illness setbacks in the senior squad, several academy players were called up to train with the first team ahead of the fixture. As a result, the young forward earned a spot on the substitutes’ bench.
United manager Ruben Amorim explained his decision to introduce Obi in the dying minutes of the match. “If you watch Chido play, you’ll notice his ability to react quickly to loose balls in the box, he’s very sharp,” Amorim said in his post-match press conference. “I wanted to add another attacking option, and I felt he could make a difference with one long ball into the area.”
Although his debut was brief, it marked a significant step in his development. With continued strong performances at youth level and further opportunities in the senior squad, Obi will be eager to establish himself as a regular part of Manchester United’s first-team plans in the near future.
