Chido Obi scored twice for Manchester United in their final post-season friendly game against Hong Kong in a 3-1 victory.
These post-season matches didn’t seem like the best idea when first announced, and it’s been clear that many of Manchester United’s senior players have played like they’re already in holiday mode.
Ruben Amorim’s side conceded first following a mistake from Tom Heaton, but they were equally wasteful in front of goal during the first half.
A wave of changes at halftime brought more energy, with Mason Mount and Amad making a noticeable impact, while Chido Obi impressed with two well-taken goals – the youth is what this kind of tour should all be able.
Ayden Heaven capped things off in stoppage time, heading home a superb cross from Amad to give the scoreline a more flattering appearance.
What Obi did before United goal
Obi was able to find pockets of space inside the box during his seven Premier League cameos last term but failed to score a goal which would have made him the youngest-ever scorer for United in the competition.
The anticipation and striker’s instinct from the 17-year-old was on display once again in Hong Kong and this time he produced some great goals – a fierce strike with his left foot and a glancing header.
When Mount was lining up for the cross for Obi’s second goal, the young Dane was up against a defender. But while his senior competitor, Rasmus Hojlund, has so often got stuck fighting with defenders, Obi gave his opponent a quick shove before darting to the front post.
He created the space and anticipated that whipped cross from Mount. The movement was exactly what you want from your striker and the finish was equally impressive.
Hojlund doesn’t seem to have the same anticipation
It is hard to write about Rasmus Hojlund and feel like you’re not adding onto a pile-on but he’s making it very difficult for supporters to not continue voicing their concerns.
He should be on holiday right now but instead he is struggling to control the ball against semi-professional level players. He is not that bad, surely? A reset is needed.
But even with some sort of renewed energy and confidence next season, there are always going to be question marks about Hojlund’s movement and anticipation in the box. Even when he was playing well at Old Trafford, it always seemed like the ball never came his way inside the box.
It felt like misfortune at the time, but the longer time has gone on, it just seems like the 22-year-old doesn’t have those traits which come naturally to a lot of strikers. Obi has showcased it and he is still nowhere near ready to start for United.
It was a breath of fresh air to see it from the teenager in Hong Kong and United fans will be hoping that a new striker signing this summer offers that at a higher level.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.