National team boss says “insanely exciting” United wonderkid is edging closer to international debut

Denmark national team head coach Brian Riemer has addressed the prospects of Manchester United’s Chido Obi making his international debut, insisting they’re currently stronger than they were a few months ago.

Obi is enjoying a meteoric rise in his career following the decision to join United in the summer from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

He has been a revelation at youth level this season, scoring 12 goals and providing an additional two assists in 12 appearances across the FA Youth Cup, Premier League 2, U18 Premier League and the UEFA Youth League.

Ruben Amorim handed the 17-year-old his senior club debut away to Tottenham Hotspur and also gave him some minutes in the 2-2 draw away to Everton.

The youngster was an unused substitute in the 3-2 win over Ipswich Town.

He was not included in the matchday squad that beat Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup on Friday evening as he’s expected to play a part in Sunday’s FA Cup meeting with Fulham at Old Trafford.

Obi has appeared for Denmark’s Under-18s and there has been a clamour for him to be fast-tracked to the first team, partly because he is also eligible to play for Nigeria.

Due to the fact he hasn’t represented Denmark’s senior side, Obi can switch his international allegiance to represent the Super Eagles.

Riemer spoke to Viaplay [as quoted by Tipsbladet] and was asked whether he has considered accelerating plans to promote Obi – who he described as “insanely exciting.” Riemer explained that despite the teenager’s rise, he has no plans to rush his development.

“Can I start by saying that I really think we are telling a fantastic story here. Try to think about how many times we have sat with a Danish national team and said: ‘We are missing players, when will some strikers come?’ We have so many young players, some of them may be just young enough to break through, but how great is it that we have so many knocking on the door – I think that is important to say.”

“Chido is a player who has played on our U18 national team, so it has become even stronger.”

“So I think we should say, in order to follow the right business procedures, that we just have to make sure that we do it the right way.”

He added, “DBU has been in contact with him, the U-team coaches have been too. I haven’t been yet, because it’s like there needs to be one more step.”

“The senior national team requires one more step – you need to come in and play more regularly before the senior national team is an option for you. It’s hard to get there if you don’t play regularly for your club team.”

United vs. Fulham kicks off at 16:30 GMT and Obi will certainly be hoping to get a taste of the action.

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

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