There were more than a few eyebrow-raising decisions made by Michael Carrick during Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Wrexham last weekend.
The head coach chose to play Leny Yoro at right-back, while asking Mason Mount to occupy a deeper midfield role. Patrick Dorgu continued to be utilised further forward.
Even in the academy XI put out in the second half, Carrick opted to utilise defensive midfield sensation Jacob Devaney as a centre-back, while Chido Obi did not even make it onto the pitch.
Instead, Ethan Wheatley was given the chance to impress. United’s handling of the young Dane has been curious, to say the least.
Chido Obi did not play vs Wrexham
Former boss Ruben Amorim opted to hand him his debut amid Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles at the tender age of 17.
Last season, the 20-time English league champions did not even consider the ex-Arsenal youth ace for first team football, asking him to concentrate on academy football instead.
| Season | Competition | Team | Apps | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | Premier League 2 Playoffs | Manchester United U21 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 279' |
| 2025/26 | FA Youth Cup | Manchester United U18 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 510' |
| 2025/26 | Premier League 2 | Manchester United U21 | 18 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 937' |
| 2025/26 | Premier League International Cup U21 | Manchester United U21 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 209' |
| 2025/26 | U18 Premier League | Manchester United U18 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 90' |
| 2025/26 | National League Cup | Manchester United U21 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 200' |
| 2025/26 | EFL Trophy | Manchester United U21 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 214' |
| Total | — | — | 37 | 20 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 2,439' |
25/26 season stats
He is 18 now, and a call on the talented striker’s future needs to be taken. According to The Daily Mail, there is still indecision regarding Chido Obi and his future.
“Chido Obi did not get on in Helsinki and there is a degree of uncertainty about the next best move for him.
Loan decision to be made soon
“Some inside United are reluctant to send him out on loan but there is also an acknowledgement that he needs to be tested after spending the entirety of last season in the academy set-up.”
The Denmark Under-20 international managed 20 goals and six assists across all competitions last season, clearly demonstrating that he is ready for first team football.
A loan spell down the EFL ladder or even sending him abroad to a league where he can utilise his physicality would be a great match.
Unless the uncertainty surrounding Benjamin Sesko and who his backup will be next season is what is stopping United from taking a definite call.
Feature image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
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