Man Utd wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin told why he was right to quit Arsenal for Old Trafford

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has suggested that young talent Chido Obi-Martin chose to leave Arsenal due to the club’s handling of his development.

United were keen on signing the 17-year-old Danish international in June, who had been impressing with his goal-scoring prowess in Arsenal’s academy.

The deal was finalised by the Premier League in September and Obi-Martin made his debut for United’s Under-18s on October 19, coming on as a second-half substitute in their 4-3 win against Sunderland. He scored a 14-minute hat-trick in his first start for the Reds in a 6-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Carrington.

With two more goals added to his tally, he has netted five times in his first five appearances for the U18s. United believe Obi-Martin has the potential to make it to the first team, making this transfer a significant achievement.

Under INEOS, United have intensified their search for standout talent, as demonstrated by the acquisition of Sekou Kone in August. According to Cole, speaking to Betfred, Obi-Martin left Arsenal because they ‘weren’t prepared’ to accelerate his progress.

Cole said: “I know somebody that worked with Chido Obi-Martin at Arsenal and I’ve been told that he has a bright future ahead of him.

“I’ve heard he’s a confident individual and very talented, but fingers crossed he gets his head down and performs, because if things go as they’re expected for him, you could see him in the Manchester United first team in a few years.

“One of the reasons why he left Arsenal was because they weren’t prepared to fast-track him as quickly as he wanted. We just have to wait and see, but I’ve heard he’s a really good talent with an eye for goal.”

Obi-Martin made his debut for the Under-21 team on Tuesday evening against Ipswich, where he came off the bench in the second half.

He made an immediate impact, claiming an assist after setting up Amir Ibragimov with one of his first few touches since after entering the pitch.

Such performances will likely have the teenager knocking on Ruben Amorim’s door and while he won’t be in the squad to face his former club on Wednesday, it may not take too long before that first-team opportunity arrives.