Manchester United’s ongoing struggles in attack under Rúben Amorim have become a growing source of frustration for both fans and analysts. The team has failed to establish a consistent goal-scoring rhythm, leaving many questioning where a solution might come from. While there have been occasional flashes of attacking promise, United’s frontline has largely underwhelmed, failing to deliver the firepower needed to compete at the highest level. As a result, attention has turned toward the club’s academy as a possible source of fresh attacking talent.
United’s goal-scoring output this season has been disappointing. Across 20 league matches, they have found the net just 30 times—a tally that falls well short of expectations for a club with ambitions of securing a Champions League spot. The burden of leading the attack has primarily rested on Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund, but neither player has been able to deliver consistently.
Højlund’s struggles have been particularly concerning, as he has failed to score in his last 14 appearances. Meanwhile, Zirkzee recently ended a long goal drought by scoring against Leicester City—his first goal in 12 matches. This lack of cutting edge in the final third has only intensified scrutiny of United’s attacking setup and raised questions about possible alternatives.
Many expected United to address their striking concerns during the January transfer window by signing a proven goal-scorer. However, the club focused on strengthening other areas of the squad, bringing in Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven while allowing Marcus Rashford and Antony to leave on loan. The decision to refrain from adding a new striker has left United short of attacking options, placing additional pressure on Amorim to find internal solutions.
Amid these challenges, one name has begun to emerge as a potential answer: Chido Obi. The 17-year-old forward has been in exceptional form for United’s U18 squad, recently drawing significant attention after scoring a hat-trick in a 5-1 victory over Chelsea. His impressive performances have led to growing calls for his promotion to the senior team, with many believing that his goal-scoring ability could provide the much-needed attacking spark that United have been missing.
Adam Lawrence, the head coach of United’s U18 side, has been effusive in his praise of Obi’s recent displays. Speaking after the win against Chelsea, Lawrence highlighted the young striker’s natural goal-scoring instincts, intelligent movement, and ability to bring teammates into play. He emphasized that Obi’s overall performance—beyond just his three goals—demonstrated maturity and technical ability that could make him a valuable asset for the first team.
Obi’s qualities appear to align perfectly with what United’s senior squad currently lacks. His sharp off-the-ball movement, composure in front of goal, and ability to position himself effectively inside the box have been evident at the youth level. As United’s struggles in front of goal persist, speculation about his potential involvement with the senior squad has continued to grow.
Despite the excitement surrounding the young forward, Amorim has remained cautious in his approach. The Portuguese manager has repeatedly stated that Obi is still in the developmental phase of his career and needs more time before being introduced to the intensity of Premier League football. However, Amorim has been closely monitoring his progress, frequently attending youth matches and training sessions to assess the teenager’s readiness for a step up.
With United’s attacking problems showing no signs of improvement, the pressure to integrate Obi into the first team is mounting. The lack of a reliable goal-scorer has put Amorim in a difficult position, and Obi’s prolific form at youth level makes him an increasingly viable option.
Historically, United have looked to their academy talents during challenging periods—both Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood made their first-team breakthroughs when the squad faced injury crises. Obi could follow a similar path if the current forwards continue to struggle.
Introducing a young player into the first team is never a straightforward decision, particularly when the team is already underperforming. However, Obi’s recent displays suggest that he possesses the technical ability and mental composure required to make the transition successfully. If United provide the right support and environment, he could emerge as a key figure in helping to address the club’s attacking deficiencies.
The next few weeks may prove crucial. With United competing on multiple fronts, including the FA Cup and European competitions, rotation within the squad is inevitable. Obi’s name is likely to be discussed when considering attacking reinforcements. If United’s senior forwards fail to improve, Amorim may have no choice but to give the teenager an opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.
For now, Obi remains focused on his development at the academy level. However, the momentum surrounding his potential first-team debut continues to build. His performances have been impossible to ignore, and his rapid progress suggests that an opportunity could arrive sooner rather than later.
Should Amorim decide to take a chance on him, Obi could provide the spark that Manchester United so desperately need. The pathway to the senior team may not be fully open yet, but with each outstanding performance, Chido Obi is knocking louder on the door. Sooner or later, the club may have no choice but to answer.
