Precocious talent with four goals in four games ignored in Manchester United UEFA Youth League defeat

Precocious talent Chido Obi-Martin was an unused substitute as Manchester United lost 2-1 to AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Youth League fixture played on Tuesday.

An own goal from Jeremiah Esejas gave the young Red Devils the lead as the defender’s pass slipped through the goalkeeper’s legs.

Yoel van den Ban restored parity for the hosts just before the break, and Kasper Boogard snatched the winning goal for the Dutch side three minutes after the hour mark.

Obi-Martin joined United from Arsenal last summer following the expiration of his schoolboy registration.

He smashed Arsenal’s record for most goals scored by an under-18 player in a season after netting 32 goals in the U18 Premier League last term, beating the previous record held by Folarin Balogun.

Arsenal attempted to keep the youngster, but he joined the Red Devils. He hit the ground running, scoring four goals in his first four games in the U18 Premier League.

He opened his account with a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, followed it up with an assist against Leeds United and got back on the scoresheet in the 3-0 victory over Everton.

The 16-year-old helped United climb to the top of Group B in the U18 Premier League Cup last weekend, scoring once in the 3-0 triumph over Leeds United.

He was rewarded for his prolific start by being named in the travelling squad for the UEFA Youth League fixture against Alkmaar.

Obi-Martin has yet to feature in the competition, and an appearance today would have been his first time doing so.

The UEFA Youth League is contested between academies of clubs participating in the Champions League, but Adam Lawrence’s side forced their way into the tournament.

They qualified at the expense of Chelsea, who they beat in the Premier League National final at Stamford Bridge last season.

United defeated Žalgiris U-19 11-2 on aggregate in the second round before setting up a date with Alkmaar.

The second leg fixture between the two sides will take place at Old Trafford on December 10, with the winner over two legs advancing to the next round of competition.

Article written by Henry Thornton .