For Manchester United’s U21 side, the campaign got underway on Wednesday night in the National League Cup.
The second edition of the genius competition pitting Manchester United’s ‘reserves’ side against National League teams, which is invaluable experience for the youngsters.
Last season, United were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Sutton United, and Travis Binnion will want to go all the way this season.
However, despite a brilliant start against Tamworth on Wednesday, the game was abandoned with Sekou Kone’s head injury requiring the ambulance and serious medical attention.
The health of Kone is the most important thing, and despite the hefty blow, he was been communicating with staff, conscious and stable according to the club’s statement.
Update on Sekou Kone after he sustained a head injury in tonight’s National League Cup game:
Sekou is conscious, stable and communicating with United’s medical team.
He has been taken to hospital as a precaution for further checks.
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— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 13, 2025
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United vs Tamworth was abandoned around the 40th minute, and up until this point, the Red Devils had played the non league side off the park.
Jaydan Kamason was very impressive down the right, but it was Chido Obi who really showcased quality and evolution in his game.
Chido Obi running in white Manchester United kit.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Ruben Amorim will love what Chido Obi was doing for Manchester United’s U21 side
United had a very strong team at Tamworth for this U21 outing, showing which players are still in academy thinking this season despite being considered almost first team players.
Obi was one player who was a surprise to see in action, as the 17-year-old is a first team squad member, but with minutes set to be limited he will play a lot of U21 football this season.
In the game, Obi didn’t manage to trouble the goalkeeper much, but his link-up play was worth highlighting, as he was regularly dropping off the line to receive passes.
Obi dropping in was impressive as he used his tall frame to hold up the ball before dribbling or passing it off to one of his teammates who were always close to him, as we have visualised using the JLA tactics board tool.
Graphic showing Chido Obi's link up play using JLA Tactics Board.
Graphic showing Chido Obi’s link up play using JLA Tactics Board.
Obi has grown a lot as a footballer since he joined United, rounding out his game which will only help him become a top class striker in the next few years.
The development of Obi should also be aided by Benjamin Sesko’s arrival, as the teenager finally has a top forward to learn from, and already he is sharing qualities with his senior teammate.
This link-up play is something which Sesko excels at, and really is a staple of any big man striker, which Obi can be given his size.
Chido Obi should get Manchester United start against Grimsby Town
Obi’s game is still evolving and he has gone from a fairly one dimensional U18 striker to a first team capable and increasingly well-rounded forward in the space of a year at Carrington.
This is encouraging, as at 17 Obi would be expected to have levels still to unlock.
The Danish youth star is a regular in Amorim’s squad, however, U21 football looks likely to be on the cards this season for Obi. But that doesn’t mean he won’t get senior minutes.
Also on Wednesday, United drew Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round, which should be fairly straightforward for Amorim, and therefore we expect academy players to be given a chance and Obi must be among them.
The last time the club entered the second round of the competition, United lost 4-0 to MK Dons under Louis van Gaal.
This is unlikely to repeat itself, so Amorim must give youngsters the chance to impress him and the Carabao Cup is the perfect opportunity.