Chido Obi Martin continued his strong start to his Manchester United career with another goal for the club's Under-18s in Saturday's clash with Everton Under-18s.
The 16-year-old netted a hat trick on his first start against Nottingham Forest Under-18s at the end of October, before providing an assist off the bench against Leeds Under-18s at the start of this month.
Obi Martin was back in the starting XI against Everton Under-18s on Saturday, and he netted in the sixth minute of the clash, carefully sweeping the ball into the bottom corner of the net, before Jim Thwaites and Bendito Mantato were also on the scoresheet for Adam Lawrence's side.
The forward has now netted four times in his first four appearances for the club since arriving from Arsenal over the summer.
Three goals = three points ✔️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 9, 2024
Our #MUAcademy U18s make it nine wins from nine in the #U18PL so far this season 👊#MUFC pic.twitter.com/EVFDJrcavZ
Why is Obi Martin so highly-rated?
Obi Martin had a stunning 2023-24 campaign for Arsenal Under-18s, scoring 32 goals in 18 appearances, including 28 goals in his final nine appearances of the season, but he decided against signing a new contract with the Gunners.
The Denmark Under-18s international allegedly did not feel that there was an obvious route into the first team at the Emirates Stadium, and Man United beat a host of clubs to his signature.
Obi Martin hit the headlines last November with 10 goals for Arsenal Under-16s in a single match against Liverpool Under-16s, and he debuted for Arsenal Under-21s at the age of 15, further demonstrating his potential.
© Imago
Will Obi Martin be on Amorim's radar?
Man United are taking their time when it comes to Obi Martin, as the forward did not have a pre-season.
Obi Martin moved between two Category One academies, so the deal took a while to be completed, with his arrival at Old Trafford not being officially confirmed until the start of October.
Man United have issues in the final third of the field, with Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund only having three goals between them during the 2024-25 campaign.
Red Devils interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted on Friday that the club would need to have a prolific goalscorer in order to return to the top of English and European football.
However, incoming head coach Ruben Amorim will surely be keeping a close eye on Obi Martin, and if the youngster continues to find the back of the net on a regular basis, then the Portuguese may not be able to ignore him in the coming months.
Matt Law
