Manchester United campaign in the English Premier League took another heavy hit with a 0-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur taking them to 15th on the table.
A solitary strike from James Madisson decided the game in favour of the home side further piling the pressure on Ruben Amorim who took over as coach of Manchester United three months ago, replacing Erik Ten Hag.
The quick turnaround that was expected following his appointment hasn’t been the case, but he should the fans and management a bit of what the future has for them by handing a professional debut to Chido Obi-Martin.
17 year Obi was signed by Manchester United from Arsenal last year after turning down an offer to remain at the club. He scored 32 goals in 20 games for Arsenal’s youth teams last season and has scored nine times in 11 outings for United’s age groups since his move.
He averages a goal every 35 minutes in the FA Youth Cup, with his hat-trick against Chelsea U18s on Wednesday taking his tally to seven goals in the competition this campaign.
It therefore came as no surprise when he was introduced by Amorim for the final three minutes of the defeat against Spurs. However it is his decision before the game that will excite followers of Manchester United from Nigeria.
Born to parents of Nigerian descent in Denmark but raised in England, the 17 year old prior to the game decided to drop his middle name Martin, and fully asked to be called by his two Nigerian names Chido Obi.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the player has asked for ‘Martin’ – believed to be his middle name – to be dropped going forward opting to protect his proud Nigerian heritage. That is why he appears as ‘Chido Obi’ on United’s official website and will be known as such henceforth.
A youth international for Denmark, he is also eligible for Nigeria and England at senior level.
Ade Emmanuel
