Amorim promotes academy starlet with 'immense potential' into first team training

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has promoted academy prospect Chido Obi-Martin into recent first-team training sessions.

The former Arsenal prodigy has been making waves in United's youth setup during his debut season, already showcasing his potential among senior players.

Obi-Martin, 17, has delivered an impressive start at United, scoring 10 goals in his first nine appearances for the U18 and U21 teams.

His most recent display came in the Premier League International Cup match against FC Nordsjaelland, but it was his dominant performance in the FA Youth Cup against Preston North End that truly stood out.

In that match, Obi-Martin led the line for Adam Lawrence's U18 side, stepping up in the absence of highly-rated striker Gabriele Biancheri, who is recovering from hand surgery.

The young forward demonstrated his playmaking ability with a precise through ball that set up James Scanlon to assist Jack Fletcher’s opening goal.

Obi-Martin then scored twice in the first half, celebrating his brace with a nod to Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic 'Siuuu' celebration.

United’s coaching staff are managing Obi-Martin’s development carefully, aware of the immense potential of the teenager, who joined from Arsenal’s Hale End academy this summer.

According to Mail Sport, Amorim has integrated Obi-Martin into first-team training sessions, particularly on lighter days when squad numbers are reduced due to post-match recovery.

While Amorim is reportedly impressed with Obi-Martin's progress, there are no immediate plans to fast-track him into the senior team.

However, with Obi-Martin turning 18 in November, his decision to leave Arsenal for a clearer pathway to first-team opportunities at United could soon bear fruit.

If Obi-Martin maintains his current trajectory, a first-team debut could be on the horizon in 2025.

Amorim’s issues in attack might accelerate this timeline, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to deliver consistently.

Despite their combined £108.5 million price tag, the pair have managed just five Premier League goals this season.

Should Alejandro Garnacho be sold or Marcus Rashford go out on loan, Amorim is expected to push for a new striker before the January transfer window closes.

If a move doesn’t materialize, United could reignite their interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres in the summer, a player who enjoyed a productive partnership with Amorim during their time in Lisbon.

Regardless of short-term solutions, Chido Obi-Martin remains an exciting prospect. Far from merely catching attention, the young striker appears to be a pivotal part of United’s future plans.