Chido Obi has a knack for scoring goals. (Image: MUTV)
Chido Obi recently removed Manchester United from his bio on Instagram.
The removal of the club's name could be completely insignificant, but followers of the academy have suggested it could be a hint at frustration with a lack of first-team opportunities.
The best way to respond to that disappointment is to score for the academy and Obi notched his second goal of the campaign to open the scoring against Manchester City Under-21s.
The Manchester clubs clashed at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday afternoon, which felt like the appetiser for the proper Manchester derby at the Etihad following the international break.
Maybe Obi thought throughout the summer that he would have a chance of being involved in such occasions this season. The youngster made eight first-team appearances last term, he outshone Rasmus Hojlund during the post-season trip and travelled to the United States for pre-season.
Obi started against Leeds in Stockholm and made a further two appearances from the bench in the USA, but Ruben Amorim has not named the young striker in any of his matchday squads this season.
The 17-year-old must earn his stripes for first-team involvement. He made a strong impression last term in difficult circumstances, but it was obvious that he still had a long way to go with his development.
Obi may look at Max Dowman (15) and Ethan Nwaneri (18) at his former club Arsenal and notice that Mikel Arteta has permanently promoted both of those players to his senior squad.
Every situation is different, and Obi must knuckle down to impress Amorim with his performances for the U21s. He struggled to get involved for large parts of the first half against City in the mini-Manchester derby and received an earful from the newly appointed assistant manager, David Horseman.
"Go on Chido, inside shoulder," Horseman shouted at one stage to encourage Obi to press his opponent. Obi was drifting through the contest, but showed just before half-time why he is such a talent.
Obi finished into the bottom right corner.
Obi pounced on Divine Mukasa's indecision around the City penalty area. The youngster still had work to do, but impressively skipped into the box to finish brilliantly beyond City goalkeeper Jack Wint.
Strikers who are worth their salt only need a single chance to finish and Obi has admirable instincts in the box. Some players must work tirelessly on their finish technique, but it comes naturally to Obi.
United were fortunate to have a 1-0 advantage by the interval. City created excellent chances in the first 30 minutes, but couldn't find a breakthrough and their wastefulness was punished.
"Why did he shoot so early," City manager Ben Wilkinson vented on the touchline when Justin Oboavwoduo failed to keep his cool after a poor back pass from Jaydan Kamason.
Wilkinson looked understandably disappointed as he returned to the dressing room for the break. City couldn't make their dominance count and the momentum shift continued when play resumed again.
United were hugely improved at the beginning of the second half, seemingly energised following a discussion with Binnion. Sam Mather came close to scoring on the left and James Scanlon's shot flashed inches wide.
Then Shea Lacey was introduced for Jayce Fitzgerald to make his first U21 appearance. The supremely talented youngster almost made an immediate impact with a volley from the edge of the box, but it was saved.
City counter-attacked moments later to equalise through Reigan Heskey. Both sons of Emile Heskey started for City, while Darren Fletcher's twins started for United, which was a subplot to make fans feel old.
Binnion reacted by introducing Amir Ibragimov. The youngster played a full 90 minutes for the Under-18s on Saturday and was not only fine to play again - but scored the match winner.
Lacey played a wonderful cross into the box to find Ibragimov at the back post to wrap up an impressive Manchester derby victory. United fans will be hoping for the same result when the first-team play after the break.