Manchester United are reportedly in talks over a transfer for Chido Obi, one of the players Ruben Amorim singled out in an infamous rant during his tenure as head coach.
The teenager, who turns 19 in late November, made eight appearances across all competitions under Amorim during the 2024/25 season but did not feature at all last term. He made one appearance during pre-season under Michael Carrick, coming on as a second-half substitute against Rosenborg in his native Scandinavia.
Feyenoord and Cologne interested
De Telegraaf reports that Feyenoord are in discussions with United over a move. Cologne had previously been keen on the former Arsenal forward. The Manchester Evening News acknowledged earlier this month that Obi is likely to leave on loan before the transfer window shuts.
Feyenoord are preparing for their first season under Giovanni van Bronckhorst after sacking former United forward Robin van Persie this summer, citing the development of their style of play and a decline in points total. The Dutch publication highlights that the move for Obi is somewhat unexpected, as Van Bronckhorst already has Robin's son, Shaqueel, in their squad behind strikers Ayase Ueda and Ignacio Ferri.
Amorim's rant and Obi's record
During the final weeks of his time as United head coach, Amorim mentioned Obi by name when refuting claims that he was hesitant to utilise the club's academy players. The Portuguese said in mid-December: "He (Toby Collyer) played (for the United first team), he's from the academy; he played here.
"He went to West Bromwich (Albion), he's not playing. He played for Manchester United, so sometimes it's not because he's from the academy or whatever."
"It's the situation, what's happened. I don't know what is going to be the future (for Kobbie Mainoo), let's see after this match (against Bournemouth)."
"(Harry) Amass is now struggling in the Championship. Chido (Obi) is not always a starter in under 21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying sack the manager!"
Obi started 20 of 32 matches for the under-21s in the Vertu Trophy, National League Cup, Premier League International Cup and Premier League 2 - including the playoffs - last season. He scored 15 times, including against the first teams of both Barnsley and Rochdale in the EFL Trophy last autumn.
