Manchester United’s academy director, Nick Cox, has pulled back the curtain on the club’s boldest youth recruitment triumph in years with the signing of Chido Obi from Arsenal. In an exclusive interview, Cox detailed how United outmaneuvered Europe’s elite for the sensational 17-year-old striker while shedding light on Ruben Amorim’s vision for youth integration into the first team.
How United Hijacked Europe’s Next Big Thing?
When Arsenal reluctantly let Chido Obi explore opportunities abroad last summer, Europe’s giants pounced. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and others circled, but United’s recruitment team were the successful ones. “We became aware Chido was about to move to Europe… We thought, If he’s available, we should make every effort to sign him,” Cox told the Manchester Evening News.
Obi’s Danish passport made him a free agent across the continent, but United’s pitch won over the teenager and his family. “We presented our staff, our track record, and how we see the club’s future,” Cox explained. The result? A “significant coup” that’s already paying dividends.
Instant Impact: Hat-Tricks, Debuts
Obi didn’t need time to settle. A 15-minute hat trick on his U18 debut announced his arrival. Fifteen goals across youth levels later, including seven in the FA Youth Cup, Ruben Amorim handed him a senior debut in February. “He’s in a good place,” Cox said, though he admitted injuries accelerated his rise.
The Danish forward’s rapid ascent mirrors Alejandro Garnacho’s trajectory. Like the Argentine winger, Obi combines raw athleticism with a poacher’s instinct. With nine Premier League games left and European hopes alive, Amorim is poised to hand Obi more minutes, testing his mettle against top-flight teams.
Harry Amass’s Debut Reward
While Obi grabs headlines, another academy gem quietly made his mark. Left-back Harry Amass, 17, debuted in United’s 3-0 win over Leicester after a year of first-team exposure. “I’m delighted for Harry, his family, and everyone who worked with him,” Cox said, praising the defender’s resilience.
Amass’s journey wasn’t straightforward. After being left out of Erik ten Hag’s plans, United placed him on a strengthing plan and considered a January loan. “We assessed loan opportunities, but the right match wasn’t there,” Cox revealed. Instead, Amass stayed patient, trained with the seniors, and seized his moment under Amorim. “He’s kept working, kept improving – that persistence paid off.”
Amorim’s Youth Revolution
Amorim’s arrival has injected fresh energy into United’s youth pipeline. Toby Collyer’s midfield integration and Chido Obi’s debut highlight a manager unafraid to trust kids. “He takes pride in debuting youngsters, but no charity. They must be good enough,” Cox stressed.
Obi in FA Youth Cup Semis
United’s U18s face Aston Villa in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals on Monday, but Obi’s promotion to the seniors leaves his involvement in doubt. “He’s eligible, but I don’t know what the next month brings,” Cox admitted. With seven goals in the competition, matching Garnacho’s 2022 tally, Obi’s absence would be felt. Yet, as Cox quipped, “We’ve got lots of good players.”
The clash also tests Harry Amass’s availability. After his senior debut, Cox left the decision to Amorim: “I don’t pick the team – but he’s ready.”
Future Goals
Obi’s signing characterizes United’s renewed focus on youth, a strategy that’s already inspired deals for Ayden Heaven and others. “The formula is simple: blend local talent with the best from afar,” Cox said, citing George Best, Bobby Charlton, and Paul Pogba as precedents. For Cox, the academy’s revival isn’t just about producing stars, it’s about restoring United’s identity. “We’re not just winning games now; we’re building legends for 2050.”