Man United U18s receive big Chido Obi blow ahead of Arsenal clash - report
Manchester United’s U18s are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown against Arsenal U18 in the FA Youth Cup quarterfinals tonight.
According to journalist Nathan Salt, Chido Obi will surprisingly not feature in this crucial clash against his former club.
He revealed on X: “Chido Obi won’t play any part against Arsenal in the Youth Cup tonight as he stays in Manchester with first team group.
“Big blow to U18s ahead of QF tonight but means he’s in line to play against Fulham on Sunday.”
It is an intriguing decision from United’s coaching staff, one that underscores Obi’s growing importance to manager Ruben Amorim.
Obi made his senior debut for the Red Devils in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur two weeks ago.
He came on in injury time but then earned more minutes in the 2-2 draw with Everton, coming on for the final 20 minutes.
The 17-year-old is one of the finest talents at the academy and is destined to have a big future.
He has starred at the FA Youth Cup, scoring an impressive seven goals in three games.
He netted a wonderful hat-trick to help United steamroll Chelsea U18 in the previous round.
His potential exclusion from today’s encounter suggests he is set to play a role in the Premier League clash with Fulham on Sunday.
It is a setback for United U18 coach Adam Lawrence but an opportunity for other young stars.
Gabriele Biancheri is the likely candidate to spearhead the attack in Obi’s absence.
The 18-year-old forward has been in red-hot form this season, racking up 16 goals and two assists in 22 appearances.
With Obi shining as a centre-forward, Lawrence has used Biancheri as a left-sided forward a few times.
Tonight presents a golden opportunity for Biancheri to seize the spotlight against a formidable Arsenal side and prove he can be the next breakout star.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .