Manchester United coaches have noticed a change in Chido Obi since the young star returned to training under Rúben Amorim for pre-season.
Manchester United are into their second week of pre-season training as head coach Rúben Amorim prepares his side for his first full season in charge of the squad.
New signings Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon made their way into Carrington for the first time on the opening day of pre-season last week alongside those like Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount, while others, like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, rejoined the squad a few days later.
There have also been several youngsters involved in training, with many excited to see what next season holds for the likes of Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, and Harry Amass.
United face Leeds United in their first pre-season game in Stockholm on Saturday, before flying to the United States to face Everton, West Ham, and Bournemouth.
The club will then welcome David de Gea’s Fiorentina to Old Trafford for their fifth and final preparation game of the summer before facing Arsenal at the same ground a week later during the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
United coaches notice change in Obi
When United secured the signing of Chido Obi from Arsenal towards the end of last year, it was seen as a major coup across Academy circles, with the justification almost immediate, as he scored a hat-trick on his first start for the U18S.
Obi went on to make his first senior appearance for the club in February and started one of his eight total appearances, although many are waiting patiently for his first senior competitive goal.
After netting twice against Hong Kong on United’s post-season tour, Obi competed with Denmark’s U20 squad in the Maurice Revello tournament, winning the Player of the tournament award, before heading on holiday.
According to The Athletic, those at Carrington have noticed that Obi has added “a touch more bulk” to his empowering 6-foot-2-inch frame over the summer, which will bode well as he adapts to life as a senior Premier League player.
Obi has also seen his shirt number drop from No. 56 to No. 32, with The Athletic commenting that while it’s common for young players to receive lower numbers as their importance increases, a drop into the 30s is not insignificant.
Obi set for minutes vs Leeds
While it has been widely reported that Amorim is looking to sign a new striker this summer, the club’s only major signing so far has been Cunha, who is expected to start on the left flank. Therefore, it is increasingly likely that Obi may have a role to play in pre-season.
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While the 17-year-old is by no means ready to lead the line at Old Trafford, it’s expected that he will continue to be involved in many of the senior matchday squads, and with Amorim likely to field the majority of his players against Leeds, Obi looks set to be one.
Amorim is likely to field a starting XI with most of his senior fit players, with Cunha expected to make his unofficial debut, while Fernandes, Mathijs de Ligt, and Amad will return to the field.
However, after half-time, most, if not all, of the starting players will likely be substituted to maintain their progression back toward competitive football and ensure as many players as possible get minutes in their legs, with many of those in the second half expected to be Academy players.
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