Anna 
At just 17 years old, Chido Obi is already making waves in English football, and his performances are sparking considerable buzz among rival fanbases. Despite not having any senior appearances to his name, Obi’s potential is undeniable, and it’s clear why both Arsenal and Manchester United are closely monitoring the young striker’s development.
Obi has been in red-hot form this season, scoring 12 goals in nine matches for Manchester United’s Under-18 side, including a standout hat-trick in a 5-1 victory over Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup. His clinical finishing, combined with his physical presence—standing at 6ft 2in and boasting speed and strength—has turned heads across two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Earlier this week, Arsenal supporters expressed regret over losing the promising forward to their rivals. After reports of a potentially season-ending injury to Kai Havertz circulated, Arsenal fans lamented that Obi could have been a key figure for them had he stayed in North London. “He would have been in the Arsenal first team if he had stayed,” one YouTuber with 22,800 followers said. Another popular Arsenal account echoed similar sentiments, saying, “This would have been his season to shine as a first-team striker.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United fans are beginning to wonder if Obi could help fill the gap left by Marcus Rashford. His ability to score in various situations and his athleticism make him a compelling prospect. Despite United’s recent struggles with a lack of attacking options, manager Ruben Amorim remained cautious when questioned about Obi, stating, “He’s doing his job. He’s improving and playing in the youth teams. We will see at the end of the season.”
Amorim is no stranger to promoting young talent, having given Geovany Quenda his senior debut at Sporting CP just three months after his 17th birthday. The Red Devils’ history of developing young players—such as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho—adds further intrigue to Obi’s potential future at Old Trafford.
Obi’s journey to United began at the age of 13 when he was signed by Arsenal, but after his schoolboy terms ended at 16, United swooped in to bring him to their academy. Reports suggest that part of United’s appeal was their strong record of promoting youth players to the first team. Obi’s time at United has already proven successful—his debut for the Under-18s saw him score 10 goals against a weakened Liverpool side, and he quickly signed his first professional contract when he turned 17 last year.
Though his early days with the club were hindered by a minor injury, Obi has wasted no time in showcasing his talents. In recent Youth Cup matches against Preston and Chelsea, he caught the attention of fans and scouts alike. Against Chelsea, Obi’s performance was a masterclass in composure, scoring his hat-trick with poise. His first goal saw him latch onto a chipped pass and hold off a defender before finishing with precision. His second was a product of his excellent positioning, sweeping in a low cross, and his third came after a quick reaction to a loose ball.
United supporters who witnessed Obi’s performance were quick to praise his potential. Kim Spjut, a fan at the Preston match, told BBC Sport: “He is something special—fantastic running, good touch, finishing. He has star quality, you can just see it.” Steve Owens, a United fan from Bolton, echoed this, saying, “He’s always in the right place, is good with his feet, is fast and can finish.”
The Youth Cup holds a rich history at United, with legendary names like Duncan Edwards, George Best, Ryan Giggs, and David Beckham all having etched their names in the competition. Should Obi continue his upward trajectory, he could join these esteemed players as part of United’s youth legacy.
After his hat-trick, Obi left the field to a standing ovation, with head coach Adam Lawrence offering a warm congratulatory hug. While the club remains cautious in their public praise, there’s no denying that the 17-year-old is already making a name for himself.
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