In a proud moment for Nigerian football, 17-year-old Chido Obi-Martin has etched his name into the history books of Manchester United. On May 4, 2025, the Danish-Nigerian forward became the youngest player ever to start a Premier League match for the Red Devils — at just 17 years and 156 days old.
Obi-Martin was given a surprise start by manager Ruben Amorim in United’s pulsating 4-3 loss to Brentford. Despite the result, all eyes were on the teenage sensation, whose selection marked a bold statement in the club’s ongoing youth revolution.
Born in Denmark to Nigerian parents, Obi-Martin’s football journey began at KB Copenhagen before joining Arsenal’s academy in 2022. In a surprise twist, he rejected a professional contract from the Gunners and moved to Manchester United in October 2024 — a decision now paying dividends.
He announced himself in style, grabbing a hat-trick in just 14 minutes during his U18 debut against Nottingham Forest. Since then, he has been on fire — scoring 12 goals in 10 games and smashing the U18 Premier League single-season record with 37 goals in 23 appearances.
A powerful forward with technical finesse and a natural eye for goal, Obi-Martin has drawn comparisons to some of United’s greats. Coach Ruben Amorim praised his talent and mentality:
“He’s very clever in the box and has a lot of potential. But we have to protect him — he’s still growing, still learning.”
Although he made a brief senior debut earlier in the season against Tottenham Hotspur, the start against Brentford signals a new era — both for the player and the club.
As Manchester United embarks on a rebuilding journey, fans and pundits alike are hopeful that Chido Obi-Martin will be a key figure in the next golden generation at Old Trafford.
