When Chido Obi could receive first Manchester United start revealed, coaches “impressed” by two attributes

Chido Obi could be in line for his first Manchester United start soon after impressing off the bench for Ruben Amorim’s side lately.

Manchester United have had major goalscoring issues this season, with strikers Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to find the back of the net.

The Reds also sanctioned the loan exits of Antony and Marcus Rashford in the January transfer window, while Mason Mount and Amad are currently injured.

That has left Ruben Amorim with an extremely thin squad, leading to the promotion of 17-year-old striker Chido Obi.

Obi has been included on the bench in United’s last four games, coming onto the pitch in the second half against Spurs, Everton and Fulham.

His performance against The Cottagers in United’s FA Cup defeat was promising, with the teenager able to create several chances for himself and battle well against the defenders.

When Obi could make first United start

Fans are now calling for Obi to start games for United amid Højlund’s 18-game goalless run, however, he is not registered for the club’s Europa League campaign.

GiveMeSport report that Amorim is tempted to reward the teenager with his first Premier League start for the club in the coming weeks.

United have three games in the league before the next international break – against Arsenal, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.

The aforementioned report suggests that Obi could be handed his full debut for the club against The Foxes after Obi’s former club Arsenal visits Old Trafford in the game beforehand.

Obi’s two attributes which have impressed United coaches

It was also mentioned in the GiveMeSport article that influential figures at Old Trafford are have been impressed with Obi’s energy levels and ability to get into dangerous positions.

While the teenager was unable to score against Fulham, he managed to forge three ‘Big Chances’ in the game – the same amount that Højlund has had in 22 Premier League matches this season.

Obi showed different in-box qualities to get those shots away. For the first, he showed that he can not only use his strength and physique against Academy players, but also senior pros after bullying Calvin Bassey before striking wide of the post.

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His other two chances came from short but smart runs on the shoulder of the defence, running into the gap to get onto the end of passes that he didn’t look favourite to getting.

There is still a lot of development for Obi to do, but Amorim’s squad is depleted and he looks set to get further opportunities before the end of the season.

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