Danish-Nigerian Chido Obi-Martin shines as Man United U18s claim 3-1 win over Man City

Chido Obi-Martin was the standout performer as Manchester United’s Under-18s secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Manchester City at the City Football Academy on Saturday.

The 17-year-old winger played a pivotal role, combining pace, skill, and composure to dominate proceedings and set up the team’s decisive moments.

The game started with both sides probing cautiously, but Obi quickly made his presence felt, hitting the post twice inside the opening 45 minutes. His first attempt followed a clever set-piece delivery from Gabriel, and later a free-kick was expertly pushed onto the frame by City goalkeeper Ben Vickery.

Despite these near misses, Obi continued to drive United forward, linking impressively with Gabriel and orchestrating attacking moves from wide areas.

United eventually broke the deadlock in the second half. Obi regained possession from a City lapse and released Gabriel, who slotted home to make it 1-0.

Moments later, the Dane’s influence was again central to United’s second goal. Godwill Kukonki threaded a pass through the City defence, allowing Obi to glide past defenders and delicately lift the ball over Vickery for a brilliant 2-0 lead.

City pulled one back late through Tyrone Samba, rifling into the top corner, but Obi’s influence had already shifted the momentum in United’s favour.

In stoppage time, Obi won a free-kick 25 yards from goal, and substitute Jim Thwaites converted with a curling effort into the top corner to seal a 3-1 victory.

The win highlighted Obi’s all-round contribution: he created chances, scored a goal, and repeatedly tested City’s defence with his movement and threat from set-pieces.

Fellow attackers Gabriel and Thwaites benefited from his vision, while United’s goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes kept the hosts at bay during City’s early flurries.