Man Utd make training decisions on ex-Arsenal wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin and Sekou Kone

Manchester United are taking a patient approach with new academy signing Chido Obi-Martin, following his move from Arsenal. The highly-anticipated transfer was finalised at the end of September, despite an agreement being reached in July to bring the promising young striker to Old Trafford.

However, Premier League approval was required before Obi-Martin could officially be registered as a United player, during which time he trained independently.

Now that he’s officially joined, the Manchester Evening News report he’s essentially undergoing a pre-season training regime, meaning fans may have to wait a while longer to see him in action for the academy team.

The 16-year-old has only been training at Carrington for a few weeks and won’t be rushed into competitive fixtures, with his long-term development being prioritised. Similar patience is being shown with fellow summer signing Sekou Kone.

Obi-Martin, who joined Arsenal from Danish side KB in 2022, was prolific last season, even scoring 10 goals in a single game against Liverpool’s U16s.

The young star has represented both Denmark and England at youth level but chose to represent the former during this year’s UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification campaign.

Manchester United have once again demonstrated their commitment to nurturing young talent by securing the signature of Obi-Martin, considered one of Europe’s most promising prospects.

United’s head of academy Nick Cox and Luke Fedorenko, head of academy recruitment, were instrumental in finalising the deal for Obi-Martin, which is seen as a significant achievement.

In a recent column providing updates on United’s academy and pre-season, Cox confirmed that Obi-Martin and the club’s other imports wouldn’t be rushed into action.

He wrote: “We welcome Samuel Lusale, Chido Obi-Martin and James Overy to the club. All three young players will join up with our Professional Development Phase as they adjust to life in Manchester and become acquainted with their new team-mates.

“It can be a difficult process for some players, while others slot right in. Whatever the scenario, our staff will be on hand to care for these young boys and make sure their experience at the Academy is an overwhelmingly positive one that sets them up for life.

“Good luck to Samuel, Chido and James, well done to our recruitment team and congratulations to the families and wider support networks involved in these boys’ journeys. Signing for Manchester United should be a proud day for everyone involved.

“I’d also like to take a moment to praise our outstanding recruitment staff, led by Luke Federonko.

“Their roles can be lonely and require unsociable hours, and they don’t often get the same praise as the coaches, but they deserve to.”