Manchester United fans eager to see Chido Obi-Martin step onto the senior stage will have to wait, as Ruben Amorim has indicated the young forward isn’t close to breaking into the first team.
Obi-Martin, widely regarded as one of Europe’s top young strikers, made the switch from Arsenal’s academy to United last October. His final season at Arsenal’s Under-18s was nothing short of phenomenal, netting 32 goals in just 18 matches—including an astonishing 10-goal haul in a single game against Liverpool.
Since arriving at United, the 17-year-old has maintained his prolific form, scoring nine times in 10 youth appearances.
With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling in front of goal, many United supporters have urged Amorim to give Obi-Martin an opportunity, especially in the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Leicester City.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has already confirmed that academy wingers Jeremy Monga, 15, and Jake Evans, 16, will feature on Leicester’s substitutes’ bench at Old Trafford.
However, Amorim has played down any expectation of Obi-Martin making an appearance, emphasizing his focus on the senior strikers. “He’s doing his job, improving, and playing in the youth teams,” Amorim said. “We also have other players who can play in that position.”
The United boss made it clear that the club remains committed to developing Hojlund and Zirkzee, despite their recent struggles.
“We signed these two players, and we need to improve them. Confidence can change a player, and they’ve proven they can score in the past,” Amorim explained. “Let’s see if we can improve as a team to help them.”
While Obi-Martin’s talent is undeniable, Amorim’s comments suggest his first-team debut will have to wait—at least for now.