Chido Obi hits double as youth shine for Man Utd in friendly win over Hong Kong

Manchester United ended their tumultuous 2024/25 campaign on a positive note with a spirited 3-1 comeback victory over Hong Kong in the final match of their post-season Asia tour.

In a game played at the Hong Kong Stadium amid persistent rain, United showcased both the promise of youth and the resilience needed to overcome a stubborn opponent, providing fans with a glimpse of hope after a season marked by underperformance and disappointment.

The match began with United fielding a strong starting lineup that included captain Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho, both of whom have been the subject of intense transfer speculation in recent weeks.

Despite dominating possession and creating a series of early chances, United found themselves behind against the run of play, reported Sky Sports.

In the 19th minute, a rare foray forward by the home side saw Juninho beat veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton with a low shot that squirmed through his grasp, giving Hong Kong a shock lead—an all-too-familiar scenario for United fans this season.

United continued to press, with Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, and Mason Mount all going close, but a combination of fine goalkeeping and some wasteful finishing kept the scoreline at 1-0 at the break.

Head coach Ruben Amorim made wholesale changes at halftime, bringing in a fresh XI for the second half.

The injection of energy paid off almost immediately, as 17-year-old substitute Chido Obi announced himself on the senior stage with a well-taken equaliser in the 50th minute—his first goal for the first team.

Obi, a product of United’s youth system, was not done there. With just eight minutes remaining, he rose to meet a clever chip from Mason Mount and glanced a header into the far corner to put United ahead.

The teenager’s composure and finishing ability highlighted the potential within the club’s academy ranks. In stoppage time, another youngster, Ayden Heaven, sealed the win with a thumping header from an Amad cross, marking his first senior goal for the club.

The victory provided a much-needed morale boost for United, who had suffered a humbling defeat to ASEAN All-Stars earlier in the week. It also served as a fitting farewell for Jonny Evans, who made his final appearance for the club.

As United now look ahead to a summer of rebuilding, the performances of Obi and Heaven offered a glimmer of optimism for the future.