Man Utd youngster Chido Obi forced off in U21 clash with worrying head injury

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Manchester United wonderkid Chido Obi was substituted after just seven minutes after picking up a concerning injury aginst Chelsea. The 18-year-old striker was named in the under-21 side to take on Chelsea on Monday evening.

But his evening did not last long. He attempted to chase down a clearance from Blues goalkeeper Max Merrick just seconds into the game, with the ball cannoning into his head.

Obi received lengthy attention from United club staff and was eventually substituted. He was well enough to walk off of the pitch and also had a brief conversation with under-21s interim manager Adam Lawrence.

United will now conduct further tests on the youngster to see if he has sustained any lasting damage. The U21s are next back in action against Birmingham on Friday evening ahead of a clash with Southampton .

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Obi is also eligible to play for United’s under-18 side in their upcoming FA Youth Cup clash with Sunderland on March 18. The FA ’s concussion guidelines dictate that a player can only return to action after six days have elapsed so long as they pass through a series of medical tests.

Obi joined the Red Devils from Premier League rivals Arsenal in September 2024 following a prolific spell in North London. He has continued his impressive rate of goalscoring with United, having netted 29 goals since then across various age groups.

He has also been afforded eight appearances for the senior side but is yet to open his goalscoring account. Big things are expected, with defender Leny Yoro having suggested he could go on to become one of the best strikers in world football.

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Speaking to Tipsbladet last season, the Frenchman said: "Chido is talented. He can become one of the world’s best strikers in my opinion, if he continues his development. He scores a lot of goals and is a good boy, so I also hope that he will become one of the best.

“He has had his chance in a few games, and I, of course, hope that he will soon open his goal account in the first team. That will help the team.”

Meanwhile, United icon Wayne Rooney has praised the young forward for his breakthrough. Speaking after Obi’s appearance against Fulham in the FA Cup last season, he said: “What I really like about him is that he's put himself in some really good positions.

“Little bit naive with some of his chances but I think it's really encouraging for Manchester United . They've obviously got Zirkzee and Hojlund not scoring.

“Now, that might be another option moving forward in the season. I've been really impressed with him.”

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