Manchester United have been informed that they’ve secured a powerhouse player, as INEOS prepares to fulfill their promise.
Manchester United Secure Promising Young Talent as INEOS Faces Scrutiny
A former Manchester United player, still actively involved at the club’s Carrington training ground, has informed Sir Jim Ratcliffe that the team has acquired a powerhouse talent—one who could soon make an impact under the management of Ruben Amorim.
INEOS’ Rocky Start at Manchester United
Since purchasing a 25% stake in the club, Ratcliffe and INEOS have encountered significant challenges. Their efforts to reduce spending have sparked controversy, including mass layoffs of over 200 staff members and the suspension of payments to the Association of Former Manchester United Players, an organization that provides financial and well-being support to ex-players.
United supporters have also criticized INEOS for raising ticket prices while simultaneously making costly managerial decisions—such as handing Erik ten Hag a contract extension, only to dismiss him a few months later. Additionally, doubts remain over some of Ratcliffe’s signings, including Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, and Manuel Ugarte.
However, the club’s recruitment of promising young talents, such as 17-year-old striker Chido Obi, could mark a turning point for INEOS.
Phil Jones Praises Obi’s Potential
Former United defender Phil Jones, now a coach in the club’s academy, has expressed confidence in the rising generation of players. Speaking on Sam Allardyce’s No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Jones referred to Obi as “an animal” on the pitch.
“United have some incredibly talented young players coming through,” Jones said. “Against Tottenham, the bench was filled with academy players. People might not know much about them now, but they certainly will in the coming years.
“You look at Chido, who we just signed from Arsenal—he’s an animal. Then there’s Amad, who had great loan spells. I remember watching him score the winner against Liverpool in extra time last season and thinking he’d play a big role in the next campaign.”
Obi’s Journey: From Arsenal to Manchester United
Chido Obi excelled at Arsenal’s academy but left in search of a clearer path to first-team football. United capitalized on the opportunity, securing the highly rated striker. Since joining, Obi has been prolific at the youth level, netting 12 goals in nine U18 matches. Recently, he made his senior debut under Amorim, coming on as a substitute in United’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.
While he had limited time to make an impact in that game, Obi could soon see more opportunities, especially given Amorim’s dissatisfaction with current strikers Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
INEOS’ Long-Term Vision for Youth Development
INEOS’ recruitment strategy prioritizes signing top young prospects. In addition to Obi, United have brought in 19-year-old Malian midfielder Sekou Kone for their U21 squad and are set to welcome 17-year-old Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon in the summer.
Despite INEOS’ early missteps, if these young talents develop into first-team stars, it could help win back frustrated fans.
Obi’s Playing Style: A Future Star in the Making?
Standing at 6ft 2in, Obi is a physically dominant striker who thrives on using his size and strength to overpower defenders. He poses an aerial threat in both penalty areas and combines this with impressive speed and dribbling ability.
Renowned for his finishing, Obi showcases composure beyond his years in front of goal. His skill set allows him to score in a variety of ways, from long-range strikes to delicate chips over goalkeepers and instinctive tap-ins.
Many compare his playing style to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, particularly in how he cuts inside from the left flank before curling shots into the far corner. However, as promising as he is, Obi still has areas to refine—particularly his link-up play.
What’s Next for Obi and United?
With Amorim eager to enhance United’s attacking threat, Obi could soon play a bigger role in the first team. Whether he fulfills his immense potential remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—United may have found a future star.
