Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has said that Chido Obi is in his thoughts when it comes to a potential start in Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
The 17-year-old has scored 12 times in 12 appearances for Man United at Under-18s and Under-21s level this term, while he has recently featured on three occasions for the senior side.
Obi’s debut came off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on February 16, before being given the final 20 minutes of the clash with Everton one week later.
The forward made a big impression off the bench against Fulham in the FA Cup last weekend, but he was unable to represent the Red Devils against Real Sociedad on Thursday night, having not been registered in the Europa League.
Joshua Zirkzee was on the scoresheet against Real Sociedad and has been one of the team’s better performers of late, but Rasmus Hojlund continues to struggle, and there have been claims that Obi could now start against Arsenal.
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Obi in Amorim’s thoughts for potential start against Arsenal
Amorim refused to rule out a spot in the XI for the teenager when asked about his potential involvement on Sunday.
“Everybody can start. If they are training tomorrow [Friday], if they played today [Thursday], they can be ready. Chido is on the list, so he can play,” said the Portuguese during his pre-match press conference.
Obi decided against signing a new contract at Arsenal last year in order to move to Man United, and he arrived at Old Trafford off the back of an incredible campaign with the Gunners at youth level.
The youngster scored 32 goals and registered three assists in 18 appearances for Arsenal Under-18s last season, including 28 goals in his last nine games of the campaign.
Obi also hit the headlines in November 2023 when he scored 10 times in a single match for Arsenal Under-16s against Liverpool Under-16s, and he is viewed as one of the best young talents in European football.
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Should Obi replace Hojlund in the XI against Arsenal?
Amorim will have one eye on next week’s Europa League last-16 second leg against Real Sociedad, which is a huge game for Man United.
Hojlund’s best performances this season have come in Europe, and he will start the second leg, so it makes sense for Obi to be introduced into the XI on Sunday afternoon.
The Denmark Under-18s international made a huge impression against Fulham, having three big chances during his 52 minutes on the field, while Hojlund has had just three big chances in his 22 Premier League appearances this term.
Hojlund has just two Premier League goals to his name during the 2024-25 campaign, and unleashing Obi from the first whistle on Sunday would give the teenager the platform to truly arrive in the first team at Old Trafford.
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