In a landmark moment for one of the world’s most storied football clubs, Chido Obi-Martin carved his name into Manchester United’s history on May 4, 2025, when he became the youngest ever player to start a Premier League match for the Red Devils at just 17 years and 156 days old.
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The Danish-Nigerian forward was handed a place in the starting XI by manager Ruben Amorim in United’s thrilling 4-3 away loss to Brentford. Despite the team’s narrow defeat, all eyes were on the teenage prodigy whose inclusion signaled a bold new chapter in the club’s youth development philosophy.
Obi-Martin’s journey to this record-breaking debut is both unique and impressive. Born in Denmark to Nigerian parents, he began his footballing education with KB Copenhagen before being snapped up by Arsenal’s academy in 2022.
After turning down a professional contract with the Gunners, he made a surprising move to Manchester United in October 2024. He wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring a rapid hat-trick in just 14 minutes during his U18 debut against Nottingham Forest.
Since then, the striker has been nothing short of prolific—netting 12 goals in 10 Under-18 Premier League matches and smashing the league’s single-season scoring record with 37 goals in just 23 appearances. His physical presence, technical sharpness, and instinctive finishing have drawn comparisons to some of United’s past greats.
Manager Ruben Amorim, who has emphasized a blend of youth and experience since taking the helm, praised Obi-Martin’s maturity. “He’s very clever in the box and has a lot of potential,” Amorim said. “But we have to protect him. He’s still growing, still learning.”
Obi-Martin had already made his senior debut earlier in the season as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur, but his full start against Brentford marked a significant milestone—not just for the player, but for a club that prides itself on nurturing young talent.
The future is bright for Chido Obi-Martin, and with Manchester United in a phase of rebuilding and renewal, fans hope he will be a cornerstone of the next great United generation
