Chido Obi continued his under-18 scoring record this season, helping push Manchester United into the competition’s semi-final with a much-deserved goal.
Manchester United’s under-18 side are through to the FA Youth Cup semi-finals after beating Sunderland on Wednesday night, and Chido Obi was among the goals.
Obi scored the second as United came from behind to win 3-2. This was his fourth for the U18s this season in four games at this level.
For the goal, Obi got his deserved reward for a game in which he had to work hard for it. Despite having a couple of big chances which were missed, Obi’s pressing ended up being the root of his goal.
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Chido Obi scores for Manchester United U18
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Chido Obi’s pressing was the highlight of his performance against Sunderland
United proved they can win without JJ Gabriel scoring, and Obi was one of the young talents who stepped up against the Black Cats. But it wasn’t even his goal that was impressive.
Instead, Obi’s relentless running and pressing was eye-catching as he hunted Sunderland’s defenders and goalkeepers, putting them under pressure and it paid dividends in his goal.
There was a loose pass played by the Sunderland defender, which Obi immediately was in position to latch onto the ball and he was then through on goal. The chance was almost allowed to slip, with Obi appearing to take a touch too many, but he managed to poke the ball past the goalkeeper which was either a genius finish or very lucky.
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Obi’s pressing doesn’t come naturally, as it was a major gripe Travis Binnion had with the young striker’s work rate not impressing.
But at Old Trafford, the crowd being smaller for an academy game meant Darren Fletcher was heard throughout, instructing Obi on his press. “Go Obi, go”, was the shout along with, “Dig deep, Chido”, when he had tired a little.
Then of course he was reward for his effort with the goal.
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 should be given opportunity in Manchester United first-team
Obi’s impressive development over the course of this season in the academy sees him a more well rounded striker and this should see him get a chance in the first-team again.
United haven’t had Obi play a minute of senior football this season so far, however, with his improvements clear there is an argument Michael Carrick needs to take a look at him and determine if the 18-year-old can be the new back-up striker for the club next season.
Obi didn’t look out of place during his debut season, and was unfortunate not to have got a goal.
Now, he’s shown he is inevitable as a goalscorer at under-18 and under-21. The next step would be senior football.
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