Why Man Utd forced Chido Obi to stay in the academy this season despite debut under Ruben Amorim

Manchester United have made a conscious decision to keep Chido Obi out of first-team squads this season despite making his debut as a 17-year-old.

Several teenagers have burst onto the scene in the Premier League this term.

Arsenal's Max Dowman and Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha are the standout names, while United have also handed first appearances to Shea Lacey, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher and Bendito Mantato.

Many fans hope that these youngsters become fixtures in the first team for years to come. However, some will take longer to get there than others.

Obi is the perfect example of that. The Denmark youth international, who arrived to much fanfare from Arsenal after dominating all age groups, was fast-tracked into the first-team picture at Old Trafford.

Former United boss Ruben Amorim decided to bring Obi into the fold because of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee's poor form. He featured in eight games in total, failing to find the back of the net.

Obi expected to receive more opportunities this campaign following Hojlund's departure and Zirkzee's failure to impress. Despite that, he hasn't been included in a first-team squad throughout 25-26.

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Image: Getty

Amorim even called out that he wasn't a regular starter for the U21s before his exit. The appointment of Michael Carrick hasn't changed his fortunes either. So, what's changed?

Why Obi hasn't been picked

According to the Manchester Evening News, United have stalled Obi's first-team involvement to work out a few kinks in his game.

Club staff believed he needed 'major improvement' in his off-the-ball movement. Despite racking up the goals as a child, it's a different prospect facing more developed defenders.

Obi showcased these new skills in Friday's Premier League 2 play-off semi-final victory over Manchester City.

The 18-year-old relished the battle against City's centre-backs, bullying them in the air to score two headers in a 4-3 win. He even earned audible praise from his manager. Interim U21 manager, Adam Lawrence, could be heard shouting 'Well done Chido!' on the Joie Stadium touchline.

Could Michael Carrick look to give Obi an opportunity to prove himself before the end of this season? Watch this space.