Manchester United could be forced into a tough decision next summer, potentially selling one of their brightest young talents if opportunities remain limited.
United head coach Ruben Amorim left the fans buzzing with his latest comments on Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher, hinting that both academy stars could make their first-team debuts as soon as next month.
He was also asked about Chido Obi, the teenage striker who has yet to appear in a matchday squad this season.
Obi made his senior bow for the Red Devils in February and featured seven more times.
He also impressed in the post-season squad, scoring a brace in the final friendly of the campaign.
Amorim was asked if Obi had been introduced to the senior team too early.
He replied (via ManUtd.com): “He played last year, I think it was too soon.
“We didn’t have a team that we could put a young kid at 16 [into so much so that] he would not struggle, or he will [only] struggle a little bit.
“It was necessary to do that. The perfect conditions are we have the opportunity, and we seek that opportunity for the kid, so he is one of the guys, but I think he started too soon and it is sometimes difficult to deal with that with the kids.
“Because they think: ‘I am already here.’ No, you are here for necessity, and we need to be careful also with that, with the kids.”
Chido Obi could seek Man United exit
The 17-year-old moved to Old Trafford after the expiration of his schoolboy terms at Arsenal.
He was highly regarded by the north London club but United presented him a better path to the senior set-up to lure him to Old Trafford.
The teenage sensation possesses the raw talent and flair needed to become a future superstar, but patience is vital for his development.
Amorim is spot on with his comments that young players who taste senior football too soon often struggle to maintain focus at youth levels.
Obi has featured in 11 Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy games, netting four goals and providing two assists.
He has outshone many of his peers at the Under-21 level but still needs to refine his all-round game before earning a permanent spot in the first team.
His former colleagues Ayden Heaven and Max Dowman are now part of the senior squads at United and Arsenal respectively.
While Heaven has largely been an unused substitute at United, Dowman has already made five senior appearances for the Gunners.
If United continue to feel Obi is not ready for consistent first-team action, the highly rated striker could request a transfer.
He turns 18 this weekend and may seek a club that can guarantee him regular senior football to accelerate his development.
Stats from Fotmob.com