Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Chido Obi’s loan spell at Dutch side Willem II is up and running.
Manchester United youngster Chido Obi has started the international break by getting on the scoresheet for loan side Willem II.
Obi signed for the Eredivisie club before the transfer deadline. He has made three substitute appearances totalling 36 minutes, yet to score. Now that has changed, kind of.
The teenager scored two goals for Willem II in a non-competitive friendly match during the international break. Obi played in a friendly between Willem II and Dutch second-tier club Helmond Sport.
Notably, the United loanee was selected as a starter and scored both goals in a 2-0 win for Willem II. He also completed all 90 minutes.
The 18-year-old scored one goal in each half, netting from close range. The first came after a slick team move where he linked up with winger Jaden Slory. The second came after Callum Twigt pounced on a defensive mistake create a chance for Obi to score.
Obi could have had a couple more goals too. He rounded the goalkeeper in the first half and was brought down, but the referee waved play on instead of awarding a penalty. He later had an attempted chip saved by the goalkeeper.
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Exactly what Chido Obi needed
Chido Obi made his Manchester United debut at 17, but did not play a single minute in the 2025/26 season. He did not seem to be in Michael Carrick’s plans, barely featuring during pre-season.
Obi would have been wasted by spending another year playing academy football and it was important he went out on loan. United chose to send him abroad. Willem II was a club where Alexander Isak launched his career with an impressive loan spell earlier in his career.
Until now, Obi has had to wait and bide his time for opportunity, and has been unable to demonstrate to his new fans what he is capable of.
While this game was a behind-closed-doors friendly, it has demonstrated to Willem II supporters that this might be a striker who can back up the hype. He will hope for more game time in competitive games after the international break.