Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has urged Ruben Amorim to make a stunning change to his side to face Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United turn their attention back to the Premier League this weekend as Arsenal travel to Old Trafford.
The Reds produced a solid overall performance in their latest game against Real Sociedad but ended up drawing 1-1 in the first-leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie.
Ruben Amorim’s side will host the Spanish outfit next Thursday, but in the meantime their focus is on Mikel Arteta’s team.
United won their last encounter against Arsenal in the FA Cup, knocking them out on penalties earlier in the season.
Right now, both teams are depleted with injuries and squad issues. United have little left to play for in the Premier League but need to find some consistency in their performances.
Amorim urged to drop Højlund for Obi vs Arsenal
One thing is for certain: United will need to make some changes to their side. Not just because players are out of form, but also to avoid injuries after a taxing couple of weeks.
Rasmus Højlund’s position in the team is more under fire due to his form, however, with the Danish striker now on a 19-game goalless run.
Many assumed that the 22-year-old would have been dropped for the Sociedad clash but he was fortunate that Chido Obi was not included in the Europa League squad list.
But now, with the Reds back in the Premier League, Obi is back available for selection and many are calling for him to start over Højlund.
Ex-United defender Paul Parker believes that Obi “has to play” over Højlund, who is currently “being destroyed” up front for the club.
“Chido Obi has to play. Right now, Højlund is being destroyed, and you have to question how the rest of the team feel playing with him. He’s really, really struggling,” Parker told bettingexpert.com.
“Ryan Giggs was 17 when I turned up to United, and he was playing. Obi is going to want as many games as possible. This is the time to grab things and make it happen. They can’t wait until he’s 20 to give him a chance.”
Amorim not ruling out Obi start vs Arsenal
It was hard to play down talk of Obi starting over Højlund beforehand, but since his impressive off-the-bench display against Fulham, it has become even more difficult.
The 17-year-old was able to conjure up his own chances inside the box with impressive movement and strength. He was unfortunate to not come away with his first senior goal.
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Amorim is certainly not ruling out starting the teenager against his former side Arsenal. Obi spent two years in the North London club’s academy before moving to United.
“Everybody can start,” Amorim began when asked if the young forward could play over Højlund against The Gunners.
“If they are training, if they played [vs Real Sociedad], they can be ready, and Chido is on the list, so he can play.”
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