Manchester United youngster Chido Obi has earned glowing praise from Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer following his encouraging performance against Fulham in the Emirates FA Cup.
The teenage striker came off the bench and immediately troubled Fulham’s defenders with his movement, physical presence and willingness to attack the penalty area despite United’s eventual elimination. Softfootball gathered that both former England captains were impressed by the youngster’s confidence on the big stage.
Rooney believes Obi displayed the qualities of a player with a bright future, even if his finishing still needs refinement. Rooney said:
The young lad Chido Obi put himself in some really good positions. He was a little naive with some of his chances, but I’ve been really impressed with him.
Shearer echoed those sentiments, highlighting the impact Obi made after his introduction. The former Newcastle striker said:
He has given the defenders more problems with his presence. The centre-halves looked uncomfortable against him.
Although Manchester United’s FA Cup campaign ended in disappointment, Obi’s energetic cameo offered supporters a glimpse of the club’s exciting young talent and suggested he could have a bigger role to play in the future.
