Chido Obi: United continue to back wonderkid despite Amorim comments

Manchester United have 31 goals to their name so far this season, placing them joint-second for goals scored in the Premier League.

It was a whole different picture last time out, with the Red Devils struggling to find the back of the net. Once the campaign concluded, United had outscored only four teams in the table.

Rasmus Hojlund proved to be one of the worst recent buys in the club’s history, and with the lack of options at his disposal, Ruben Amorim turned to the academy for help.

The then-17-year-old Chido Obi was forced to step up , and while the young Dane impressed , he could not find the back of the net in eight appearances for the first team.

Plenty had expected the ex-Arsenal academy product to play a substantial role for the senior team this season, but that has not proven to be the case.

In fact, he has been dropped to the U21s, and has rarely been called up to first team training. Even with Joshua Zirkzee ‘s struggles and Benjamin Sesko’s injury , there was no call-up.

On top of that, rather surprisingly, the head coach opted to call him out during a recent press conference where he was criticised for his lack of trust in the club’s famed academy pipeline.

25/26 season stats via Transfermarkt

“Amass is now struggling in Championship. Chido is not always a starter in under 21. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager. So you can see I’m not worried. I just want to win.”

That elicited a social media response from both Carrington graduates, something that may have proved Amorim’s “entitled” remark was correct in the first place.

As per The Athletic , the Denmark U20 international was disappointed at being forced to drop down a level, as he felt he had the qualities to excel as a second striker.

However, the club retain faith in him, and are backing him to become a first team star in the future. And despite rumours of a loan exit , the Red Devils are not currently planning to loan him out unless a great opportunity presents itself.

“Sources within United say it was decided within the club that returning to the Under-21s was the best option (for Chido Obi). Amorim spoke earlier in this campaign about how Obi’s first-team call-up last term was out of necessity and may have come too soon. It was a reality check of sorts.

“United sources say the club felt it would be best for Obi to hone his craft in the Under-21s with less of a spotlight on him. People at the club say Obi was disappointed with the decision, though, and that he believes he could be United’s second striker.

“United sources say the club were aware Obi was disappointed with being dropped back down to Under-21 level, but they were not concerned. There would have been more worry if he had been happy about it, and sources say the club have been encouraged by his response since.

“There is still plenty of confidence in the club, according to sources, that a player with what has been described as having “ice cold” finishing can mature and develop into a top scorer in the first team. But there is also a realisation that patience is required.”

“The plan for his development is to continue with the Under-21s. Sources close to those charged with his progress say they are keen for him to have regular football, but there is no plan, at the moment, for him to head out on loan in January like former housemate Amass. United sources say they are not actively looking for clubs to take him temporarily. That would only change if an opportunity arose that they felt would better him now.”

Chido Obi has five goals and three assists from nine starts across all competitions. Hopefully, he can convince Amorim of his undeniable talents on the pitch soon, while also improving other facets of his game and his off-field behaviour.

Feature image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images

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