Manchester United’s youth coaches are working with 18-year-old striker Chido Obi to develop his game.
The Denmark Under-21 forward made eight appearances for United’s senior side under Ruben Amorim last season but has not been called into a single first team squad this season.
Rather than a sign of regression, influential figures at United feel it is a natural part of Chido’s progress given his size has previously been such an advantage.
The striker scored in United’s excellent 3-1 Premier League Under-18 win at Manchester City on Saturday, but more notable was his all-round game, including a willingness to get involved in the defensive side of the game.
United feel any assessment of the player has to take his age into account as, given his exposure last season, it is easy to think Chido is older than he is.
The forward is set to keep his place for Wednesday’s FA Youth Cup last-16 tie at Oxford, when midfielder Jim Thwaites, who scored United’s third in a game 15-year-old JJ Gabriel opened the scoring in, could start after returning from injury with two outings as a substitute.