Although Manchester United lags 24 points behind Arsenal in the Premier League, their alleged disruption of the London team’s hierarchy by acquiring wonderkid Chido Obi from their academy calls for attention.
The 17-year-old attacker earned his Premier League debut on Sunday in United’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur even though he did not touch the ball. Arsenal’s annoyance has grown due to his quick rise to the first team. They had been relentlessly working to secure his long-term future at the Emirates.
Arsenal Left Angry by Obi’s Leave
The Telegraph claims that Obi’s relocation to United has caused a lot of unrest inside Arsenal’s hierarchy. Having constantly watched his progress in their youth system, the club was well aware of the great potential of the Danish youngster.
Executives of Arsenal find great annoyance in losing a young striker of Obi’s quality to a direct opponent. Manager Mikel Arteta even personally intervened to urge him to remain at the club, having made several attempts to persuade him to stay.
But Obi and his advisers seemed worried about his route to Arsenal’s first squad. The Gunners had presented a disciplined development plan, with infrequent chances to train with the first team, showing him a path from the U18s to the U21s this season.
But this strategy ran counter to Obi’s aspirations. Though he only made one appearance for United, he was anxious for a quicker path to senior football and has already accomplished what he thought was improbable at Arsenalโa first-team chance at the top level.
Manchester United made a better offer than Arsenal
The financial package of Manchester United, which far above Arsenal’s offer, was another important determinant of Obi’s choice. Arsenal was eager to keep him, but they were hesitant to match United’s offer since they thought their disciplined development strategy would be better for him.
But United’s readiness to commit significantly to the young striker proved crucial. Arsenal, already struggling with a striker dilemma, would now want their cautious approach back off. If they had seen their present attacking difficulties, they may have been more forceful in trying to guarantee Obi’s future.
Two years ago, Obi moved to England and first joined Arsenal’s academy, where he made an instant impression. Before Manchester United descended last summer, he scored an incredible 32 goals in 21 appearances for Arsenal’s U18s.
Obi has maintained his amazing goal-scoring form since switching; he netted 12 goals in 9 games for United’s U18s and made two appearances for the U21sโthe same count he had managed for Arsenal’s U21s before to his leaving.
Will Obi Have More First-Team Opportunity?
Many supporters of Manchester United are urging Obi to be given more senior chances as the team struggles with goals this season. Manager Ruben Amorim is approaching cautiously. He realizes he needs to properly develop the young man instead of hurrying him into demanding circumstances.
Amorim is well-known for trusting youthful talent, hence Obi might soon get more first-team minutes considering United’s urgent demand for attacking reinforcements. If he continues to shine at the junior level, he will likely earn more opportunities. His three-minute cameo against Tottenham is unlikely to be his final senior appearance this season.
School of Manchester United Raid Arsenal Again.
Not only is Chido Obi a great Arsenal academy player joining Manchester United recently. In January, United signed 18-year-old prospect Ayden Heaven as one of two winter recruits to Amorim’s team.
Arsenal, however, seems less worried by Heaven’s leaving since they feel they already have enough depth in his role. Unlike Obi’s leaving, which has infuriated many, the Gunners apparently see Heaven’s action as a loss they could afford.
The Movement of Obi: A Turning Point in His Career?
The decision Chido Obi made to join Manchester United marks a turning point in his short career already. Having already made his Premier League debut, he now has an opportunity to advocate a more prominent place in the team.
His leaving reminds Arsenal especially of the competitive nature of young growth and the need of giving outstanding kids a clear and appealing route to first-team playing.
Should Chido Obi realize his potential, his choice to leave Arsenal could be considered as a turning point in his ascent to fame. Manchester United have taken a calculated gamble on his ability. If he continues developing, the Gunners may regret losing him.
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