The euphoria of Manchester United agreeing to moves for senior team on an almost daily basis has been so huge the real heroes of last season have faded into the background.
The United U18s won three trophies and promise a bright future, carrying forward the legacy of the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Now, it looks like Ineos are not resting on their laurels, trying to repeat their coups for the senior team for the youngsters as well.
And they have started with the big fish, Chido Obi-Martin, arguably the most talented youngster in youth football in England right now. Or have they?
Man Utd fans react to bombshell Chido Obi-Martin claim
Man United fans were sent to heaven and back as the news of Chido Obi-Martin visiting Carrington to explore a potential move was quickly deleted minutes after posting.
At first, fans reacted with glee, as the player is one of the most highly-rated prospects in world football at present. One wrote, “Chido Obi-Martin would just be cherry on top of the cake”, as one sent a warning shot to Arsenal fans, saying, “We are coming from Chido Obi-Martin”.
Another waxed lyrical about his potential, saying, “He’s made Greenwood’s U18 numbers look impressive, should be doing everything to get him”.
However, just as the train was getting hot, the tweet was deleted. People had only question question in mind which can be summed up by one person who asked, “Why’d the Chido Obi-Martin tweet get deleted?”
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans were sent into meltdown as one wrote, “If he wants to leave Arsenal, let him go and be useless for the rest of his life!”.
It remains to be seen whether the tweet was deleted because the info was wrong or was it deleted because it wasn’t supposed to get out now. Fans would hope it’s the latter because Obi-Martin is special.
Separately, All Nigeria Soccer had reported three days ago that Obi-Martin is set to leave the Gunners and will decide his future in the coming days.
Obi-Martin is eligible to play for England, Nigeria and Denmark, and has currently committed his international future to the Danes.
UPDATE: The Athletic now report Obi-Martin has decided to leave Arsenal, did visit Manchester United, and is considering a move.
Best young talent in the country
Chido Obi-Martin shot to prominence after scoring 10 goals in a game against Liverpool’s youth side (U16s) in a 14-3 win for Arsenal’s youth team.
He has been a goal machine at the age group level, where he has banged in goals for fun. In 19 games for the U18s, he scored 32 goals despite playing a level above as he is just 16.
In addition, he has scored 11 goals in 15 games for Denmark U17s, just translating his ridiculous returns to the international stage as well.
He turns 17 in December which is when he can sign a professional contract with any team of his choosing. Arsenal, intent on keeping him, have kept offering improved terms but his exploits have attracted interest from all over the world.
It would be a huge coup if United were to formalise their interest with a move as there hasn’t been a prospect who has generated this much noise in youth circles in a long time.