Manchester United wonderkid Chido Obi at centre of new plan after two big summer changes
Chido Obi is being earmarked for regular first-team appearances at Manchester United in the new season. Obi, 17, made the bold decision to leave Arsenal last summer and joined the Red Devils, who won the race for his sought-after signature.
Obi had to wait until February to make his first-team debut and he finished the season with eight appearances to his name. Although the Danish striker didn't find the back of the net, he did score twice in a post-season friendly win against Hong Kong.
Fans were given a glimpse of Obi's potential and it's good news for those who are excited to see more of him in the 2025-26 campaign. The teenage sensation, who scored a record-breaking 32 goals in 20 appearances for Arsenal's under-18s before leaving the Emirates, is part of Ruben Amorim's plans.
As first revealed by The Athletic Obi will regularly feature in matchday squads and only play for the U21s occasionally this term. There have also been two big changes for the Denmark youth international.
Obi has firstly received the No.32 shirt, having been No.46 last term. At Old Trafford, the number is most famously associated with Carlos Tevez, who enjoyed two prolific seasons playing for the Red Devils between 2007 and 2009.
Secondly, Obi has visibly bulked up over the summer. The 17-year-old's transformation will stand him in better stead to deal with Premier League defenders and assert himself on opponents.
Senior figures at Carrington are said to already consider Obi a member of the first-team squad, despite his lack of experience. Amorim has been passing on his wisdom to Obi, who said in April: "He's just told me to be humble and keep working hard every day.
"And hopefully I get more opportunities soon. My dad and my mum always told me to be a good person and listen to my coaches because they want me to get better, so it's good.
Will Chido Obi become a starter for Manchester United next season? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
"I've learnt to be smart and to think quicker by training with the first team because the game is quicker compared to academy football. It helps me a lot, training with them every day."
Obi's first target is to impress Amorim during pre-season. United start their run of five friendlies by facing Leeds this Saturday in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Red Devils will then jet off to the USA in the early part of next week for matches against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton. Amorim's side finish their preparations against Fiorentina at Old Trafford on Saturday, August 9,
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