United wonderkid who broke through under Amorim and was tipped for greatness set for shock January exit – report

It has been a topsy-turvy campaign so far for Manchester United, but it is a definite improvement on what had transpired last term. The Red Devils have already won six games this season, while the Portuguese tactician had managed seven in 27 outings last time out. However, he deserves criticism for his lack of belief in the academy. When he came in, he immediately handed debuts to the likes of Chido Obi, Harry Amass, and Tyler Fredricson. This season, there have been no new academy breakthroughs with Amass sent out on loan, with Chido Obi expected to follow suit in January, as per The Sun. Chido Obi to be sent out on loan The 18-year-old had made eight appearances for United’s first team last season, earning praise from club legend Wayne Rooney and was tipped straight for the top. But following Benjamin Sesko’s arrival, the ex-Sporting CP boss thought Chido Obi would be best served playing regularly with the reserves. The Dane has impressed for the U21s, scoring five goals and adding two assists in 754 minutes of action for Travis Binnion’s side. CompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsYellowRedMinutes Total13521–754′ Premier League 283–1–368′ EFL Trophy3120–214′ National League Cup11–––– stats from 25/26 season via Transfermarkt Now, the 20-time English league champions are considering sending him down the EFL ladder or even to the National League to hone his development. “CHIDO OBI could be one of three youngsters to leave Manchester United on loan in January. Ruben Amorim said in hindsight it was “too soon” for Obi to play eight first-team games last season after the wonderkid signed from Arsenal’s academy in November 2024. “This time last year, there was talk of the newly turned 17-year-old striker breaking United’s youngest goalscorer record. “But after signing Benjamin Sesko in the summer, Amorim thought it was best to place Obi with the Under-21s for the 2025-26 season to continue learning additional aspects of being a No.9 besides goals. Makes sense if Amorim doesn’t trust him “Obi has impressed for Travis Binnion’s side this term, with five goals in 13 games and his hold-up play and link-up improving all the time. “United are open to sending Obi out on loan in January to continue his development by gaining more first team minutes in the EFL or National League.” It would have made sense for Amorim to turn to the Denmark U20 international in Sesko’s absence, but Amorim does not seem to have the wonderkid in his plans for now. Playing competitively lower down the ladder would be better than playing PL2 football. Along with the ex-Arsenal academy ace, fellow Hale End product Ayden Heaven, and Diego Leon could all depart temporarily in the winter window. Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25