Manchester United in close cooperation with national team over 16 y/o’s fitness

Chido Obi-Martin joined Manchester United on a free after leaving Arsenal’s academy in the summer and he’s already had a big impact at the club, scoring goals for the youth teams.

The 16-year-old’s arrival at Old Trafford was delayed as compensation had to be agreed owing to the player’s age, as per ESPN.

It wasn’t until the beginning of October that Obi-Martin confirmed his switch to United with an Instagram post, writing: “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.”

Obi-Martin turned down offers from Arsenal to join United in what was a huge coup that stunned youth football experts across England.

In his second appearance for the U18s, Obi-Martin scored a hat-trick as he showed his quality in front of goal, which is something lacking in the current first team.

A couple of months ago, the youngster was called up to the Denmark U18s side and will play for them during the November international break.

Chido Obi-Martin being handled carefully

Denmark U18s manager Morten Esken has now spoken to Tipsbladet about Obi-Martin, admitting that they are in regular contact with United to help get the youngster back to full fitness after his delayed start to the season.

Esken said: “He has not yet played 90 minutes [for United Under-18s], but he is close, and we are in close cooperation with United in relation to having all his physical data sent over, and looking at how he has played.”

The Denmark U18s boss also confirmed that Obi-Martin has a desire to play full games, which is described as the next step.

“He wants to be able to go 90 minutes now. That’s his next step and he might do it for us in the next few games.”

 There is a clear effort to be careful with the youngster because he is bound to be behind everyone else in terms of minutes as he builds his fitness.

It all sounds very positive from where we stand.