Chido Obi scored four goals in one match for Manchester United’s U21 side on Monday night and Michael Carrick has now rewarded the 18-year-old for his improvements.
This time last year, Chido Obi was taking his first steps into the first-team for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, and now he is fighting to get a second go at things.
Yet to appear for the senior side this season, Obi has been developing away from the spotlight, with the improvements clear to see in his all-round game.
Now, after Obi scored four goals for United in the Premier League 2 against Leicester City, he’s getting the reward for his form.
Would you give Chido Obi another chance in the first-team?
He's improved a lot for Manchester United…
Chido Obi playing against Fulham U21
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Chido Obi spotted in first-team training for Manchester United
This season will have been a frustrating one for Obi, stepping back to the U18s and U21s to work on his all-round performances.
It was a tough start to the season, with Ruben Amorim even calling out Obi, but he has well and truly rebounded recently, earning a return to first-team training under Carrick.
Chido Obi and Tyrell Malacia battle in Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Obi made himself undeniable after a four-goal return, and Carrick has taken note, bringing him into the first-team fold as he’s been pictured with Joshua Zirkzee and Tyrell Malacia during training.
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Alongside Obi, other youngsters were also involved. These being, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher, Jack Moorhouse, Jayce Fitzgerald, Sonny Aljofree and Solomon Honor.
The return of Obi ahead of the Crystal Palace clash is exciting, as United absolutely should have another attacking option on the bench, with Joshua Zirkzee not being trusted by Carrick.
What was significant about the four-goal haul against Leicester was that this was the first instance of Obi putting in a dominant performance at U21 level, like he used to do for the U18s. A clear development.
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Manchester United celebrate winning league.
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Michael Carrick needs to start using proper number nines at Manchester United
Since Carrick took the helm at Manchester United, there has been little to complain about. But the lack of a proper striker up front is one issue beginning to need addressing.
Benjamin Sesko has been on fire recently off the bench, but the team would be so much stronger with him in the starting line-up.
Sesko starting gives United a focal point in attacks, which is something lacking in games where United aren’t looking to sit back and counter attack.
So if Sesko starts, Obi should be on the bench as the second choice number nine, given his lethal finishing, improved physicality and work-rate.
Last season, Obi didn’t look out of his depth in the Premier League, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see him back in the fold, and probably doing very well.
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