Denmark U21 head coach Lars Knudsen has delivered a message to Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim regarding Chido Obi’s playing time this season.
Obi facing fight for minutes
Obi has enjoyed a drastic rise to stardom since joining United from Premier League rivals Arsenal last summer.
He arrived at Old Trafford as one of the highest-rated youngsters in England and didn’t have to wait too long to make his senior debut. Obi made his United bow in February, coming on as a late substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
He ended the 2024/25 season with eight senior appearances to his name. The 17-year-old grabbed his first goals for the Red Devils during the post-season comeback victory over Hong Kong in Asia.
However, there are genuine fears that Obi may not build on the individual progress he made last term, due to the attacking signings United have made this summer.
United have spent north of £200m on the acquisitions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. With these additions, there is increased competition for places despite Rasmus Hojlund’s imminent move to Napoli.
Obi has yet to get a taste of Premier League action this term. He wasn’t even named on the bench for both clashes against Arsenal and Fulham.
There were suggestions that he could head out on loan but this was quickly denied, with United keen on overseeing his development at Old Trafford.
However, Knudsen has warned that Obi must be playing to remain under consideration for the national team.
Denmark youth coach sends Obi message to Amorim and United
Asked whether it may be necessary for Obi to switch clubs, Knudsen said [as quoted by Bold], “I can’t stand here and say anything about that, because it’s somewhere else than with me.”
“It’s just a hope we have for the national teams, because we know that playing time is crucial.”
He continued, “This is both for performance, but also for these young people in terms of developing themselves.”
“Of course, we hope that he will get somewhere where he can play.”
United are back in action on Wednesday when they face Grimsby Town in the second round of the EFL Cup.
Featured image Linnea Rheborg via Getty Images
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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!
