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Manchester United’s summer transfer activity involved not only signing readymade first-team stars but also strengthening the academy pipeline significantly.
One of the most hyped bits of business completed by the club involved signing former Arsenal sensation Chido Obi-Martin after the youngster turned down the chance to sign his first professional deal at the Gunners.
The 16-year-old came to prominence after he netted 10 goals in a single game against Liverpool U16 with the Arsenal youth team prevailing 14-3.
Obi Martin netted 32 goals for Arsenal’s U18s last season in just 19 games and naturally, United fans are super excited to watch their latest star in action.
Obi Martin made his United academy debut
After a prolonged wait which involved the Red Devils trying to agree a compensation package with the North London side, Obi-Martin was finally given the clearance by the Premier League to complete his move to Old Trafford.
The Denmark U18 international got his first taste of action in a red shirt last week as he came off the bench in the second half for the United U18s in their 4-3 win over Sunderland.
And as per The Daily Mail, regular observers and scouts were blown away by his physical presence and felt it was only a matter of time before the Danish star earns a promotion up to the U21s.
“The highly-rated striker got his first outing for the Red Devils off the bench in a 4-3 U18 win over Sunderland. It stood out just how big Obi Martin’s frame looked against opposing defenders.
Promotion coming soon
“And while United are eager not to rush his development, there is a sense among scouts and interested observers of youth football that the 16-year-old will be in and around the U21 group in no time at all.”
This promotion will please the striker who opted not to sign for Arsenal as he was not sure about his pathway through to the first team with United’s record of giving chances to academy graduates playing a huge role in his decision to switch sides.
United had to beat the likes of Bayern Munich to secure the former Arsenal academy product’s signature and there is a chance he might graduate through to the first team in quick fashion.
Obi Martin had represented Denmark and England in his youth career before opting to play for the country of his birth.