Amorim has to unleash young Red with potential to become ‘one of the world’s best strikers’ in final PL games – opinion

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·22 April 2025

Amorim has to unleash young Red with potential to become ‘one of the world’s best strikers’ in final PL games – opinion

Having players come through the academy is a strong tradition at Manchester United. Other clubs emphasize it less, but during the best Sir Alex Ferguson years, this aspect was a staple.

While the youth movement has since taken a hit, it appears that youngsters rising through the ranks and getting time with the first team is increasing in prominence again.

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Senior caps for the young players

Tyler Fredricson made his debut against Wolves at left centre-back. He looked ready for the moment and worthy of more consideration in future Premier League matches. According to the team website, this marked the 254th player to start with the younger sides and progress through to the top ranks of the club.

This moment also needs to emphasize Chido Obi – whom teammate Leny Yoro believes could become ‘one of the world’s best strikers’ – and how he’s fared so far. Still only 17 years old, he often looks like the best option up top for Man Utd. Already possessing the needed physical aspect of the nature of the Prem, he also has that inner drive to prove himself.

More technically, he does a good job during link-up play and moves himself into positions to give his teammates an option to pass to. The attack has looked better with him on the pitch. For a side that has often struggled with the ball, particularly in the final third, it’s somewhat amazing that he hasn’t received a longer run of play this season.

Make use of the lost season

Not that there is necessarily any rush. At least, there hasn’t been to this point in the season. Man Utd were never going to make a serious challenge for anything in the EPL standings. He’s also ineligible for the Europa League fixtures. Knowing where the club is now and that relegation (sad that that was once something of a concern) is no longer a possibility, Ruben Amorim should play Obi more.

The United boss mentioned wanting to continue to give Rasmus Hojlund run time. The logic there makes sense. With the Danish striker being in a goal drought, the best time to break it and regain confidence is now. There isn’t any pressure. During low-stakes matches, he’s got the best chance to see one go in the back of the net.

With that being said, he and Obi can play together. As is, the best combination up top was when Obi played with Joshua Zirkzee. Both seemed to have a natural chemistry and understanding together. Unfortunately, the Dutch forward will not play anymore this year due to injury. That will be a combination worth reexploring next year.

Potential for a promising Man Utd attack

For now, Amorim wants to see Hojlund get out of a dry spell. That’s fine. It’s worth trying anything to see if that can happen. Continuing to give Obi playing time is a must. Amorim needs to see if he can play in the same manner that he did with Zirkzee.

There are a lot of reasons why past players who have risen from the under-18s haven’t performed at the senior level. In order to avoid that specific part of history, Man Utd need to continue to play Obi and allow him to continue to build on the positive, promising start that fans have seen from him.