Manchester United’s first-team is set to return to Premier League action on Tuesday after the international break with an away trip to face high-flying Nottingham Forest.
Ruben Amorim has already revealed that Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire are expected to be back in contention while quite a few other key players are also close to making full recoveries.
But as revealed by The Daily Mail, the head coach will be without Chido Obi, who has made four substitute appearances in the last two months due to the lack of goalscorers at the Portuguese tactician’s disposal.
While he has impressed the coach in his cameos, the U18s are gearing up for the all-important FA Youth Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Monday and it has been decided that Adam Lawrence’s team needs him more.
Chido Obi set to return to U18s
“Manchester United have allowed Chido Obi to return to the Under-18s for tonight’s crucial FA Youth Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.
“Mail Sport understands Obi is part of United’s travelling squad heading to Villa Park in what represents a huge boost to Under-18 boss Adam Lawrence.”
He has seven goals in three appearances in the competition this season, including a stunning hat-trick against Chelsea in the fifth round. The U18 coach had termed him a “natural goalscorer” after his heroics on the night.
EXCLUSIVE: Chido Obi is part of the Under-18s squad at Villa Park this evening for the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.
Huge boost to have the striker included.
Understand Harry Amass is not involved #mufc https://t.co/PqPwSv9sCd
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) March 31, 2025
He was sorely missed in the quarter-final but the U18s emerged triumphant in an epic clash against Arsenal and now, with him back, the team will be confident of getting past Villa.
However, Lawrence will not be able to call upon Harry Amass, who recently made his senior debut in the league game against Leicester City.
Amass remains with senior team
“Mail Sport understands Harry Amass will not be involved this evening as he could feature against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday. Amass, 18, made his senior debut in United’s 3-0 win over Leicester before the international break.
With Luke Shaw not yet ready, Amorim feels Amass might be needed against Forest especially with Diogo Dalot struggling at the wingback position.
Interestingly, should United get past Villa, they could set-up a mouthwatering Manchester derby in the final with Manchester City taking on Watford in the other semi-final.
In that case, the final is likely to be held at Old Trafford, which should give the youngsters added incentive to win tonight. United had last won the competition back in the 2021/22 season with Alejandro Garnacho the star of the show that time.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
