Chido Obi has become an exciting prospect for Man United since leaving Arsenal in last summer's transfer window and the Red Devils must be careful not to stunt his development.
Chido Obi-Martin of Manchester United
Chido Obi-Martin of Manchester United(Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Manchester United scored a significant coup last summer when they successfully enticed Chido Obi away from Arsenal's Hale End academy to Carrington. The highly-touted prodigy, who once netted 10 goals in a single match against Liverpool at youth level, quickly adapted to his new environment and continued his impressive scoring streak.
After scoring 12 goals in 10 matches for United's Under-18s and adding two more in four Under-21 appearances, the call to senior football was inevitable. A combination of injuries and United's lacklustre goal-scoring form led Ruben Amorim to accelerate Obi's progression, giving him eight appearances, including one start.
This clear pathway to first-team football reportedly played a key role in the Danish youth international's decision to leave Arsenal.
Obi became the 252nd academy graduate to make his debut for United when he played against Tottenham Hotspur in February.
In contrast, Arsenal's tally is just over 50, highlighting United's proud tradition of providing opportunities to young players deemed ready, reports the Express.
However, while Amorim's attack-focused recruitment drive this summer was sorely needed after United only managed 44 goals in the Premier League last season, it does raise questions.
One such question is: what does this mean for Obi?
United have spent £133.5million on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, primarily to fill the 'No. 10' roles. Joshua Zirkzee or Rasmus Hojlund, who together cost £108.5m, competed against each other for the starting striker spot last season, but their struggles in front of goal mean Amorim's work in the transfer market is not finished.
United are pushing ahead with plans to complete an attacking revamp by signing Benjamin Sesko. RB Leipzig are demanding a fixed fee of £64m for the 22 year old, in addition to add-ons and a percentage of any future sale.
With Hojlund also aged 22 and none of Mbeumo, Cunha, and Zirkzee older than 26, United run the risk of inadvertently hindering Obi's development and blocking his pathway to the first team. Sesko will be joining as a first-team player, which could potentially force Hojlund to seek regular football elsewhere.
However, even then, there will be stiff competition for playing time. The most probable scenario is that Obi spends most of this season playing for the Under-21s until he is ready to make his mark. This was likely the plan before United's injury crisis last term.
It's easy to forget that the young star is only 17, given how quickly he has been thrust into the limelight. Considering he has already had a taste of senior football, a loan move might be more sensible.
While Sesko's arrival would certainly boost Amorim's attacking options, it could also create a predicament that Obi may not have anticipated when he decided to leave the Gunners.