A talent like no other, with potential out of this world.
This kid is special.
Chido Obi-Martin is the future of Manchester United.
Since the birth of this football club, the importance of youth has been laid deep in the foundations.
Very few clubs have had such a rich history of success using their own talent.
But at United, this is the only way.
From the Busby Babes to Fergies Fledglings, the academy has always flourished.
Sir Matt Busby once said: “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”
This epitomises the football club in just seven words.
Chido Obi-Martin goal scoring record in the last 5 games is insane.
vs West Ham ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
vs Brighton ⚽️⚽️
vs West Brom ⚽️
vs Fulham ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
vs Palace ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️The future is bright. pic.twitter.com/eLzkZHWfa8
— Anambra 1st son (@UchePOkoye) April 13, 2024
Kobbie Mainoo was the latest starlet to breakthrough, coming back from a four-month injury in pre-season, to rise into United’s first team and represent England in the Euros final.
Now in 2024, United have a new prospect.
A record-breaking talent.
But who is he?
Who is Chido Obi-Martin?
Signed from Arsenal, Obi-Martin is a 16-year-old striker who has torn up the youth divisions.
He scored 32 goals in just 20 U18 league appearances for Arsenal. This broke Folarin Balogun’s previous Gunners record of 25.
At international level he’s also impressing, scoring 11 goals in 18 games for Denmark’s U17s.
This game between Denmark and Norway’s under-17s was my first introduction to Chido Obi-Martin.
Four goals in his side’s 6-2 victory – no two finishes the same – each executed with the utmost precision and technique.
An elite talent, without doubt.
pic.twitter.com/KfFYwjsVt2— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) August 6, 2024
If this hasn’t blown you away already, Obi-Martin scored 10 goals against Liverpool’s U16s before being bumped up to Arsenal’s U18s, where he’s scored seven against Norwich, five against West Ham and four against Crystal Palace and Fulham.
If you didn’t know who he was before, you certainly do now!
Why Chido Obi-Martin will be the future of Manchester United
While a player’s record at academy level has to be taken with a pinch of salt, Obi-Martin looks like a huge talent. At just 16, the youngster is tearing it up.
If Obi-Martin can reach his evident potential, before you know it, he could be leading the line for United.
In the last two years, United have signed Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as strikers, but if the 16-year-old Dane can continue his goal-scoring rampages into senior football, then a pathway will certainly be made for the youngster.
United has been crying out for someone to cement themselves as the long-term number nine for almost 10 years now, since Robin van Persie left.
Obi-Martin could be that player.
He’s got a long way to go but he’s an incredibly exciting talent.
Why Chido Obi-Martin is a statement signing for INEOS
There is no doubt United’s academy is up there as one of the best in the world. It’s famous for the Busby Babes, The Class of 92 and producing players like Paul Pogba and Gerard Pique. But in the past decade, the academy has struggled, failing to attract future superstars like Jude Bellingham or to produce their own generation of wonderkids.
In the last few years, improvements have been made to the academy, which has led to the capturing and nurturing of talent like Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo. It’s clear however, that in 2024, United’s academy has been overtaken by Manchester City and Chelsea in the Premier League.
🚨 REMINDER: Manchester United have included an academy graduate in every single matchday squad since October 1937.
YOUTH. COURAGE. SUCCESS. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/GxT3alaNVY
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) July 30, 2024
In just the past few seasons, City have produced Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho and Cole Palmer, players that the United of old would likely have signed ahead of their local rivals.
In 2020, United missed out on Bellingham because of their inability to guarantee game time. While there was other factors, this issue illustrates the problems United had with their pathway from academy to first team at the time.
Now four years later, with the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, this has all changed.
They’ve swiftly imposed a new elite footballing structure, which understands the importance and potential of the academy.
INEOS want to find the next Foden or Palmer before their rivals, by offering a clear pathway into the first team. The emergence of Mainoo and Garnacho has also helped this, by setting a clear precedent of Ten Hag and the club’s standpoint on youth development and the progression into the first team.
This is why Obi-Martin is a statement signing for INEOS.
He’s the sort of player which United wouldn’t have been able to sign in years gone by, losing out to a rival. But INEOS’ recent changes mean the superstars of the future want to join the club.
Obi Martin rejected Arsenal’s contract proposal and turned down more lucrative offers in Germany to join United because ‘he ultimately felt his career development would be better served at a different club.’ That club was Manchester United.
INEOS has snatched up one of the most talented youngsters in the world, away from rivals Arsenal, who are challenging for titles.
That is the definition of a statement signing.
Remember the name Chido Obi-Martin.