Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer heaped praise on Manchester United youngster Chido Obi despite the club’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Fulham on Sunday.
Calvin Bassey opened the scoring for Fulham on the stroke of half-time as he headed home, but Bruno Fernandes equalised in the 71st minute with a brilliant left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
Nothing could split the two sides after 120 minutes of play and a penalty shootout was needed.
Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro all converted from the penalty spot but Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had their efforts saved by Fulham goalkeeper Andre Onana.
As a result, Fulham progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, where they will face Crystal Palace.
Yet again, United struggled up front, with Rasmus Hojlund unable to come up with the goods. He was taken off and replaced by Obi in the 68th minute.
During the time he was on the pitch, Obi was significantly better than Hojlund. He not only had one or two good chances to find the back of the net but he also troubled Bassey who until then, was very comfortable.
Obi had three big chances in 52 minutes of action against Fulham. In comparison, Hojlund has been presented with three big chances in 22 Premier League matches so far this term.
Chido Obi had 3 big chances in 52 minutes today. For comparison, Rasmus Højlund has had 3 big chances in 22 Premier League matches this season.
First start incoming? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/SPmIWC6OmO
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 2, 2025
Speaking on BBC [via Metro], Shearer was hugely complimentary of Obi and admitted to being impressed with him.
Shearer said about the 17-year-old, “He’s been a real handful in there you know.”
“He’s certainly offered a lot more than Hojlund has when he was on the pitch. He’s been a nuisance and tough to play against.”
“I like what I see from Obi, I really do. He’s certainly given them a different option to play with.”
After the final whistle, Ruben Amorim was asked whether there was a chance he’d drop Hojlund and replace him with Obi moving forward.
Amorim refused to rule out this possibility, insisting that he’ll always choose the best team to win a game.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
