Manchester United forward Chido Obi has experienced a dramatic career shift in just 12 months. After making four first-team appearances last season, scoring his first senior goals in a 3-1 Hong Kong victory, the 18-year-old now focuses on academy competitions including the Premier League Under-21 International Cup quarter-final against Real Madrid.

Obi's rapid rise last season saw him feature in seven Premier League games and one FA Cup tie under former manager Ruben Amorim. However, his first-team opportunities have dwindled since returning from pre-season tour, with only one unused substitute appearance against Wolves in December. Amorim's public criticism of Obi's form in under-21s was seen as damaging within the academy.

Born in Copenhagen before moving to England in 2020, Obi arrived at United from Arsenal as a prolific striker. Under-21 coach Adam Lawrence, who returned to the club in January, describes Obi as being "in a really good place" with settled routines and consistent coaching. The forward has scored 15 goals this season across youth competitions and recently recovered from a concussion sustained against Chelsea Under-21s.