DARREN FLETCHER is ready to unleash Chido Obi alongside JJ Gabriel this week as United go all out to win their first FA Youth Cup in four years.
Obi, 18, and Gabriel, 15, have not started a competitive match together and Under-21s striker Obi has not played a competitive match under Fletcher.
It is understood Obi was drafted in to a behind-closed-doors friendly against Celtic at Carrington last weekend, with the Under-18s preparing for Friday night’s Youth Cup clash against Derby County at Old Trafford.
Obi represents a big attacking boost to Fletcher, who chose to return to the U18s rather than stay with the first team as part of Michael Carrick’s backroom staff.
Bendito Mantato, 17, is likely to make up the front three.
Obi and Mantato were both rested for the U21s’ 3-2 win over Sporting on Tuesday night.
But Obi came on late to assist James Scanlon’s third goal of the evening.
Gabriel scored at Old Trafford last month in United‘s cup win against Peterborough.
Wayne Rooney‘s son, Kai, is also a possible candidate to feature.
He teased online about playing at Old Trafford for the first time.
Rooney, 16, has made the step up to the 18s for two appearances this season, scoring once.
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United’s Under-18s have impressed over recent years, bringing through Harry Amass as well as Gabriele Biancheri.
Jack Fletcher, Darren’s son, and James Scanlon are other standout names.
Shea Lacey has progressed into the first team fold of late and went close to scoring a stunning first senior goal for the club on several occasions against Burnley and then Brighton in the FA Cup.
Amir Ibragimov is another player fans have been keeping an eye on in recent years.
Obi has been one to watch ever since he arrived from Arsenal in 2024 as a huge coup at junior level.
He is regarded as one of the best players in his age group around having dominated in north London.
Obi scored 32 times in 21 U18 Premier League matches at Arsenal before making the move to Manchester.
He made the bench under Ruben Amorim before New Year in the 1-1 draw against Wolves.
