What is happening with Man Utd's teenage striker Chido?
It underlines the unpredictability of youth development that 12 months ago, Manchester United forward Chido Obi had already made four first-team appearances, was about to make four more - including his first start - and then score his first senior goals in the 3-1 post-season victory in Hong Kong. Wind the clock forward and Chido is now looking to make an impact in the Premier League Under-21 International Cup quarter-final with Real Madrid at Old Trafford. After that it will be two huge games against Crystal Palace, the FA Youth Cup semi-final and the Premier League Cup Under-18 final.
Last year, then aged 17, Chido was felt to be stronger than older youth-team forwards, hence his promotion by former manager Ruben Amorim towards the end of last season, featuring in seven Premier League games and one FA Cup tie. However, since returning from United's pre-season tour, Chido's first-team experience has been limited to a single bench spot - against Wolves on 30 December, when he did not get on the pitch. He has only recently started training with the senior squad again.
Nothing did more damage to Amorim in his dealings with United's academy than his dismissive comments about Chido and 19-year-old defender Harry Amass in December as he defended his decision to ignore the club's young players. "Amass [then on loan at Sheffield Wednesday] is struggling in Championship. Chido is not always a starter in the under-21s," Amorim said.
Within the academy, it was felt to be a needless and potentially damaging swipe. Chido, who was born and raised in the Danish capital Copenhagen before moving to England to further his football career in 2020, arrived at United from Arsenal as a free-scoring striker. United staff knew as he went through the age groups the forward had to develop other parts of his game on and off the pitch.
Chido has been spotted doing solo gym work at a fitness centre local to his club's Carrington training ground, and sources have been impressed and encouraged by his willingness to accept the challenge. Adam Lawrence was Chido's under-18s coach last season. As part of the reshuffle triggered by Michael Carrick's arrival, he returned to the club in late January to take over the under-21s.