Chido Obi-Martin may be reconsidering his decision to leave Arsenal for Manchester United, as his path to first-team football remains uncertain.
The young striker, who gained widespread attention after scoring an astonishing 10 goals in a single under-16 match for Arsenal, moved to Old Trafford with high hopes of progressing quickly. However, nearly half a year into his tenure at United, he has yet to break into the senior squad, raising questions about his development and future prospects.
Despite Manchester United’s ongoing struggles in attack under new manager Ruben Amorim, Obi-Martin has only been utilized at the youth level. This situation has led to speculation that his growth as a player might be hindered rather than nurtured.
Reports indicate that the teenager is earning a substantial weekly wage—believed to be around £30,000—yet he remains on the sidelines when it comes to first-team action. This contrast between his salary and his lack of senior opportunities makes his continued absence from Amorim’s plans all the more surprising.
Meanwhile, Arsenal has been forced to rely on young talents due to injuries within their squad. Mikel Arteta has had no choice but to introduce promising academy graduates like Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri into senior matches.
Had Obi-Martin remained at Arsenal, he might have found himself in a similar position, gaining valuable experience at the top level. Instead, he now watches from afar as his former teammates enjoy significant opportunities in high-pressure environments, which could accelerate their development.
For a young forward like Obi-Martin, seeing his peers make strides in their professional careers while he remains confined to youth football at United may be a source of frustration. Although the club could argue that they are carefully managing his transition to senior football, the prolonged absence of first-team minutes might slow his progress rather than enhance it.
At just 18 years old, he still has time to establish himself, but the lack of clarity surrounding his role at United could make him question whether leaving Arsenal was the right move.
If Manchester United does not outline a clear pathway to senior football soon, Obi-Martin might start viewing his decision as a potential misstep. While his talent and potential are undeniable, regular first-team exposure is crucial for his growth. If his situation does not change in the near future, he could find himself regretting the switch to Old Trafford, especially as Arsenal continues to nurture and promote their young prospects into the first team.
