Manchester United under-21s manager Travis Binnion has revealed the reason why Chido Obi has started the season in the youth sides.
Chido Obi joined Manchester United last summer in a very surprising transfer from Premier League rivals Arsenal, and – despite being just 17 years old – the Dane made eight appearances for Rúben Amorim last season.
While many young strikers often find it difficult to transition to the senior game, Obi didn’t have such problems due to his 6’5 frame and strength. Unlike most aspiring centre forwards, Obi enjoys the physical battle.
With Rasmus Højlund leaving for Napoli, many thought the former Arsenal academy player would start the season with the first team, but Obi hasn’t been included in a matchday squad so far.
Benjamin Šeško and Joshua Zirkzee are the two first-choice strikers, but as both joined the squad after pre-season, Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount have shared the minutes through the middle from the start.
Obi was also left out of the squad for United’s trip to Cleethorpes against Grimsby Town, but that was probably for the best with how poorly Amorim’s side played against the League Two side.
Binnion reveals why Obi is in the youth sides
Obi has played all three of United’s Premier League Two games so far this season, netting two in victories over Norwich City and Manchester City. Speaking after the victory in the derby, Travis Binnion – United’s under-21s manager – revealed why Obi has started the season in the academy.
“It’s not easy for him because people look at him like he’s a big kid,” said Binnion to MEN. The key thing there is he’s still very young, he’s still learning his game.
“Because he’s had exposure with the first-team, I think people expect performance levels that are really consistent and really high. You’ve got first-team players across the country who don’t do that.”
Binnion went on to say: “I’m really pleased with him, and we haven’t even scraped the top of the iceberg with him. He’s got loads to come.
“That will come from how he sees the game, keeps working hard and recognises he has stuff to develop because that’s always a challenge when you have that first-team exposure and then you go away and have to start working on things.”
Obi could see game time sooner rather than later
Obi impressed during United’s pre-season tour in the United States, as he played alongside regular first-teamers like Luke Shaw and Amad.
Amorim knows of his talents, and with Cunha and Mount both picking up injuries against Burnley before the international break, Obi could be involved for the derby on September 14.
If the two attacking midfielders are unavailable, Bruno Fernandes will likely start alongside Bryan Mbeumo behind Šeško, with Kobbie Mainoo coming into midfield with Casemiro.
Amorim will be forced into naming players in the squad that haven’t appeared so far this season, including Obi and potentially Jack Fletcher or James Scanlon if he needs another attacking midfielder.
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