Manchester United striker Chido Obi has taken a step backward this season, but the club still believes he is on track to fulfil his potential.
After his debut season for Manchester United saw Chido Obi rise as high as the first team, this current campaign has been a definite step backwards.
Obi has been declared not ready for the first team, with an acceptance that Ruben Amorim pushed him too high, too quickly.
The 18-year-old Dane was disappointing against Real Madrid Castilla, which likely ended any hopes he had of playing for the senior side this season. But United’s plan for his development is still taking shape.
Chido Obi with hands on his head after Manchester United miss.
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Chido Obi playing against Fulham U21
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Man Utd planning to send Chido Obi on loan
This season, Obi has stepped out of the spotlight to develop, and while he’s done well at times, the strides being made simply aren’t enough to earn a place in the senior team.
As this season draws toward a close, United are now planning the next steps for Obi and how he should progress next season.
According to the Manchester Evening News, this is expected to involve a loan switch for the teenager.
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United aren’t looking at a loan to the Championship for Obi, due to his lack of physical prowess, which could see him struggle in a league known for its physicality.
Instead, a move to Europe is seen as the best next step for Obi’s evolution as a player, with the Eredivisie expected to be an option for the Danish youth international.
______ is the main problem with Man United’s loan system😡
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James Scanlon is preparing to face Lincoln.
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Checklist for Manchester United finding Chido Obi a loan move
For United, sending a high-potential youngster is always going to be a risk, considering the hit rate the club has in picking loans.
But with Obi, Ineos can’t get it wrong, and his ability makes the margin for error much smaller. But the right club and situation still need to be picked.
Obi is a striker and, therefore, to set him up for success, United need to send him on loan to a club that will create chances for him and where he will play on the front foot.
AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord would be two ambitious options, with the two clubs likely to lose their star strikers this summer in Troy Parrott and Ayase Ueda, respectively, who have had strong seasons.
If that is too ambitious, United should look at the clubs scoring the most goals, such as Go Ahead Eagles, Heerenveen, and particularly NEC Nijmegen, with the trio of smaller clubs, and are more likely to take a youngster on loan.
Obi would benefit massively from this, but United needs to choose well.
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