Teenage sensation Chido Obi, aged just 17, wrote his name into Manchester United`s history books by being included in the starting lineup for the match against Brentford.
Manager Ruben Amorim selected the young forward to feature from the outset against the Bees.
At precisely 17 years and 156 days old, Obi set a new club record, becoming the youngest player ever to start a Premier League game for Manchester United. This achievement overtakes the previous record established by Mason Greenwood back in May 2019.
Obi is 67 days younger than Greenwood was when he made his record-setting start in a game that ended in a 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City.
Explaining his decision to hand the youngster his first start, manager Amorim emphasized his desire to shield Obi from excessive pressure.
I think we need to focus a lot on our young players. For me, it’s not a massive game for Chido. I know that it’s important for Chido, but I don’t want a lot of pressure on Chido, I just want him to do what he knows.
He played really well in those minutes against Wolverhampton. He’s improving a lot, and then Newcastle, the rotation. I feel that he’s ready to cope with the demands of the Premier League.
Amass has already shown that he`s ready, Tyler, the same. It will be tough on them because this team is really strong in front, with a lot of pace, but they are improving, so they are ready.
Manchester United presented a noticeably experimental side for the Brentford fixture, suggesting that Amorim`s primary focus was on the upcoming crucial Europa League second leg tie scheduled for Thursday against Athletic Bilbao.
Significant changes were made across the team, including Altay Bayındır stepping in for Andre Onana in goal and Luke Shaw being given the captain`s armband. Mason Mount, Tyler Fredricson, and Harry Amass were also among the players receiving rare starting opportunities.
Prior to this historic start, Obi had already made several senior appearances for Manchester United, coming off the bench in Premier League matches against Tottenham, Everton, Leicester City, Wolves, and Bournemouth. He also featured in an FA Cup tie against Fulham, though he is still awaiting his first senior goal for the club.
