Chido Obi-Martin makes 'dream' Man Utd debut

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 22 Oct 2024 09:20 BST
3 min read

Manchester United academy player Chido Obi-Martin made his debut for the club's Under-18s side.

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Ahead of the contest against Sunderland, the teenager admitted that he is about to embark on a dream match.

The 16-year-old joined United from Arsenal’s academy last month, in what was a coup for the Manchester outfit. Obi-Martin said ahead of the game on Instagram: “Very happy to sign with this amazing club. Time to focus and achieve all my dreams. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far.”

He made his Gunners debut at just 15 years old, playing for their Under-21 side. Obi-Martin even trained with Mikel Arteta’s first team during the 2023/24 season.

The Danish forward attained a deadly reputation at Arsenal due to his absurd scoring record at the youth level. In 2023, Obi-Martin scored ten goals in a single game against Liverpool, while in April of this year, he found the back of the net seven times against Norwich.

At the time during the summer, Arsenal were desperate to keep him around and tie him down to a scholarship deal before making that contract professional on his 17th birthday in November, but the teenager decided to snub the Gunners.

United snapped up Obi Martin after he netted 32 times in the Premier League Under-18s last season. The striker completed his medical on 6 August and, after a lengthy investigation by the Premier League, was announced as a United player.

Obi-Martin's debut

Against the Black Cats, UnitedDistrict reports that Bendito Mantato fired in two early goals for United to give them a comfortable 2-0 lead. However, just before the halftime whistle, Sunderland managed to claw one back. But then the match was at 3-3 as it entered the final 30 minutes.

Shortly after play resumed, Reece Munro struck again for United,.

In the 63rd minute, Chido Obi-Martin was brought on for his United debut, replacing Victor Musa. however, it was fellow substitute Jim Thwaites who stepped up in the closing stages. In the 86th minute, Thwaites found the back of the net with a superb strike, securing a dramatic 4-3 victory.