Ruben Amorim handed exciting young striker Chido Obi his senior debut in the final minutes of Manchester United’s defeat to Tottenham.
The 17-year-old was the only substitute made by Ruben Amorim during Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham.
United suffered an injury crisis this week, leaving Amorim without Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo among others.
As a result, Victor Lindelof was the only senior player on the bench with seven academy stars named as substitutes against Spurs.
Among them was Chido Obi, who has been in spectacular form for United’s academy since joining from Arsenal in the summer. As the Red Devils chased an equaliser in injury time, Obi came on to replace Casemiro.
Chido Obi thanks Ruben Amorim after Man United debut
Just three days ago, Obi scored a hat-trick against Chelsea in United’s 5-1 win over Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup.
It felt inevitable that Obi would make his debut this season after his domination in youth football. He was ready to step up, and clearly Amorim believes he is ready.
A few hours after making his debut, Obi took to Instagram to thank the club and Amorim for the opportunity.
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Alongside a collection of photos from the match, Obi wrote: “Disappointed with the loss. On a personal note thanks to the gaffer & the club for making a dream come true for me and my family”.
The post was quickly liked by several United stars including Patrick Dorgu, Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, while January signing Ayden Heaven also shared the post to his story.
Chido Obi will get plenty of opportunities this season
It is clear that Obi is far too good to be stuck playing youth football and now he has a taste of first-team action he will be eager for more.
Amorim is extremely short of attacking options with Marcus Rashford and Antony out on loan, but that provides Obi with a golden opportunity to step up.
After the Spurs defeat, Amorim confirmed that the seven academy stars included in the travelling squad will get their opportunities this season.
“They will play during this season. We will have games in the cup and Europe and they will play,” Amorim said.
Next up on United’s fixture list is a trip to face Everton in the Premier League next Sunday. Amorim beat the Toffees 4-0 back in December but that was before David Moyes took charge.
Obi, and a few of his academy teammates, will be hoping to be involved once again.