Manchester United has several exciting youngsters coming through the ranks at Old Trafford who are hoping to establish themselves as the club's next generation. Some of these players have been involved in Ruben Amorim’s matchday squads of late.
Amorim-Man-Utd-Premier-League (2)
That includes midfielder Sekou Kone, who featured on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur and Everton last month. Academy Scoop said on X that he has shown “glimpses of promise” in a United shirt since his summer move.
Another player who could break through is young left-back Harry Amass. The former Watford academy star was most recently on the bench against Real Sociedad in midweek, and he is “one to keep an eye on” according to Academy Scoop via X.
harry amass
However, arguably the most exciting United talent breaking through is Chido Obi.
Obi’s United career so far
What a whirlwind few months it has been for Obi, since his move to United from Arsenal over the summer. He has made a brilliant start to life in the Red Devils academy, scoring 12 goals in nine games for the under-18s so far this term.
Chido-Obi-Martin
This electric form resulted in Amorim giving him his first team debut, a three-minute cameo away to Spurs. He has since gone on to play twice more for United’s first team, in the Premier League at Goodison Park against Everton, and in the FA Cup against Fulham.
His 52-minute cameo against the Cottagers, which included extra-time, showed just how talented Obi is. He managed to fashion chances for himself and was a real nuisance for the Fulham centre-backs.
United legend Wayne Rooney said he was “really impressed” with the 17-year-old, and Alan Shearer explained, “I like what I see from Chido Obi”. The Denmark under-18 international has made a big impression so far.
Chido-Martin-Obi
It certainly seems like Obi could become a player Amorim utilises more going forward. However, if things had worked out differently, he could have had another talented young striker at his disposal.
Man Utd's original Chido Obi
United’s academy is a place where young stars can make a real name for themselves, like Obi has done in the short time he’s played for the club.
Where are they now
Where Are They Now
Well, that was certainly the case for Charlie McNeill, who was a prolific goalscorer in the youth ranks. The now 21-year-old initially left United to join Manchester City in 2014, before returning to Old Trafford six years later, after racking up a real reputation for himself - much like Obi - having reportedly netted over 600 goals for the Citizens.
In 35 appearances for the United under-18s, the striker scored an impressive 34 goals and grabbed 11 assists. He also scored several times in the UEFA Youth League and for the under-23s during his time in the youth set-up.
One of McNeill’s biggest contributions in a United shirt came in the club’s impressive run in the FA Youth Cup in 2021/22.
Alongside now first-teamers Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, he was a key player as United lifted the trophy at Old Trafford, scoring five goals and creating two others in six games.
McNeill record by round in 2021/22 FA Youth Cup
Round
3rd
4th
5th
6th
Semi-final
Final
Stats from Transfermarkt
Football statistician Statman Dave once described the 21-year-old as a “natural goalscorer”, and it seemed like he could become a first-team player for the 13-time Premier League champions in the future.
However, he only played once for the club, a six-minute Europa League cameo against Real Sociedad, and was only on the bench once more. After loans to clubs in the EFL, specifically Newport County and Stevenage, McNeill left United permanently last summer, upon the expiration of his contract.
The former England under-16 international joined Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer, but things have not worked out for him there. He has played just five games, with just two coming in the Championship, scoring twice against Hull City in the Carabao Cup.
Now valued at just £167k, it has not been an easy ride for McNeill, who was so deadly for United’s academy. Of course, due to his age, there is plenty of time to get his career back on track and find his best form again.
However, if things had worked out differently, and he got the opportunity he arguably deserved in the United first-team, perhaps he would be competing with Obi for a spot in the matchday squad.
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