Manchester United have plenty of focus on one priority in the summer transfer window but they can not forget another in the meantime
Manchester United’s summer transfer window is sure to be a busy one and already the cogs will be churning to ensure the Reds are stronger next season than they have been this. The priority for United has been obvious even before Casemiro decided he would be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season.
The midfield is in desperate need of a revamp after United spent the past two summers adding to both their defence and attack. Currently, only Kobbie Mainoo appears to be in a position to retain a spot in the midfield after the summer transfer window closes.
He has revitalised his United career since Michael Carrick took interim charge and could even make it to the World Cup when that seemed an impossible dream just a few months ago. Unfortunately for the Reds, defensive midfield is where the problem lies as Manuel Ugarte is not in a position to make the step up and there is also a lack of options on the market.
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That is why a lot of energy is going into the midfield this summer but, arguably just as important, is ensuring one of United’s top talents, who could follow the Mainoo pathway into the first team, makes the right next step. Chido Obi has had an eventful start to life in Manchester.
Last season, the centre-forward was drafted in as a necessity with the Reds left without striker options going into the final stages of the campaign. Having impressed in the academy since his arrival from Arsenal, the decision was made to give the Dane a go.
Sadly for Obi, he was entering a team who were lacking in confidence and, as such, showcasing his best form was always going to be difficult. MEN Sport understands the consensus at the end of that season was the push into the first-team came too soon.
That is why this season, Obi has been allowed the time to develop in the academy away from the spotlight of the first-team. On Saturday, the 18-year-old was on top form as he scored in the Reds’ 3-1 win over Manchester City in the U18 Premier League.
United are very pleased with the progress Obi is making in their academy with yesterday’s goal his ninth of the campaign. They were particularly happy with his work out of possession against City as the teenager starts to develop his all-round game.
Obi has been playing most of his football in the Premier League 2 which is the development league for U21s but the magnitude of the City clash saw him drop down. The striker turns 19 in November so he is getting towards an age where senior football is needed if he is to make it at United.
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That is why this summer is crucial for the youngster. United must decide whether Obi is ready to be a permanent member of the first-team squad or whether he would be better suited for a loan spell.
Right now, another season in the academy feels like it could be a waste. He has the attributes to compete in senior football even if his first introduction to it came too soon.
United know a good loan move can set a player up to be influential for the first-team the following season. Amad is the prime example of this.
He flourished at Sunderland in the Championship and came back to United ready to compete in the Premier League. Amad has not looked back and has not dropped into the academy since.
If Obi could get a loan move at a similarly high standard, the teenager could be perfectly set for the first-team. Loans to the Championship have been the making of many players at Old Trafford and are often a sign the club thinks highly of you for the future.
Obi is the next one who deserves to follow that pathway so picking the right team for him in the summer is just as important as fixing the midfield because, when strikers come at a premium, having the chance to promote a goalscorer from within is priceless. That is reason enough to ensure his next step is perfect.