Manchester United's forgotten striker Chido Obi has issued a powerful statement to the club's incoming interim manager, Michael Carrick, by netting his first goals of 2026.
A Timely Reminder for the New Boss
The 18-year-old forward scored a brace in the Under-21s' emphatic 4-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in Premier League 2. This performance serves as a direct appeal for first-team consideration, having been completely sidelined under departed manager Ruben Amorim.
Obi has not played a single minute for the senior side this season. His only involvement was as an unused substitute in the 1-1 Premier League draw with Wolves earlier in the campaign. This marks a stark contrast to last term, where he made eight first-team appearances, seven of which were in the Premier League.
Academy Form Demands Attention
Against Wolves' U21s, Obi demonstrated his sharpness in front of goal. After Tyrell Malacia opened the scoring, the young striker doubled the lead with a close-range finish. He later added a fourth goal with a composed strike inside the penalty area.
This double takes his tally to five goals in just nine Premier League 2 matches this season. His previous league goal came in a 2-1 win over Liverpool at the end of September. Despite this consistent output at academy level, opportunities under Amorim were non-existent.
The Portuguese coach previously made controversial comments about the club's youth setup, suggesting a sense of entitlement. He specifically referenced Obi, noting the striker was "not always a starter in the U21s". Both Obi and teammate Harry Amass appeared to respond to these remarks with now-deleted Instagram posts.
A Fresh Chance Under Carrick?
With Amorim's departure and Carrick's imminent appointment, the landscape at Old Trafford is shifting. The U21s' formidable form—winning eight of their first nine games to lead Premier League 2—highlights the talent available.
Obi's case for promotion is further strengthened by the uncertain situations of other forwards. Benjamin Sesko has experienced a slow start to his United career, while questions surround Joshua Zirkzee's future. This could open a door for the academy graduate.
Calls from the fanbase for Obi to be given a first-team chance have grown throughout the season. His match-winning display for the U21s is a perfectly timed audition, putting his name firmly in the frame as Michael Carrick prepares to take the reins.
