The Manchester Evening News is reporting that Manchester United are considering handing a first-team debut to Chido Obi-Martin, the 17-year-old striker signed from Arsenal’s youth academy earlier this year.
The potential gamble comes amidst United’s deepening struggles under Ruben Amorim, whose side has slumped to 14th in the Premier League following a dismal, but hilarious, run of form.
Obi-Martin, who turned 17 at the end of November, has been prolific at youth level, averaging a goal every 50 minutes in the U18 Premier League this season.
His performances have caught the eye as senior strikers Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggle to find form, with the latter substituted to cheers from the crowd in the first half of United’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
The teenager left Arsenal earlier this year after rejecting a new contract, reportedly seeking assurances of first-team opportunities that the Gunners were unable to provide. Last season, he scored an astonishing 32 goals in 18 league games for Arsenal’s U18s.
Now, United may be ready to roll the dice on their young prospect as they look to salvage their season.
United’s ongoing crisis deepened following their 2-0 loss to Newcastle, with Arsenal target Alexander Isak and Joelinton capitalising on defensive lapses to secure a dominant victory for the visitors that should have seen them win by more. It was United’s fourth straight defeat.
Amorim, appointed on 1 November, has overseen 12 matches, winning just four (two in the Europa League), with United now languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. His 3-4-3 system has failed to deliver any sign of progress, with questionable decisions, such as starting Zirkzee in an unfamiliar role, raising doubts about his approach.
While Amorim was without Bruno Fernandes (suspended), his team showed little fight in the first half. Despite a more energetic second-half display, United’s inability to finish chances sealed their fate.
After the match, Amorim admitted Newcastle’s superiority, expressing the difficulty of recovering from early setbacks. With a daunting trip to Liverpool looming, the under-fire manager is urgently looking for solutions to arrest United’s alarming decline.
Whether he genuinely thinks Obi-Martin is one of those answers remains to be seen.