Manchester United's 10-goal striker shows improved attitude, yet still fails to impress Carrick! Another young talent may rise this summer.

On Wednesday night, Manchester United manager Carrick sat in the Old Trafford stands alongside his friend Wayne Rooney, watching the Red Devils' U18 team secure a 3-2 comeback victory over Sunderland in the Youth FA Cup quarter-final. Rooney's eldest son Kai was not involved, but Carrick witnessed 18-year-old striker Chido Obi score a solo goal to equalize for United, who had been trailing 1-2.

This redeemed Obi, who had been largely ineffective throughout most of the match, but his goal brought him attention. However, it likely still won't be enough to earn him first-team opportunities this season, as neither Ruben Amorim, Darren Fletcher, nor Carrick have favored him.

With Amorim's departure, Obi may feel more confident about joining the first-team squad next season. This summer, Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee has requested a transfer, and United are not planning to sign a new striker; they might instead purchase a left winger. Therefore, Obi has reason to believe he could get a chance.

Obi scored prolifically at the U16 level, notably netting 10 goals in a single match against Arsenal versus Liverpool. However, his eight appearances for United's first team have been disappointing, leading Amorim to demote him back to the academy system. This season, Obi has rarely been called up, only making a substitute appearance in December during an injury crisis when United drew away to Wolves.

Even in that match, Amorim preferred another forward, Benedetto Mantato, who was substituted on before Obi and made his debut. Amorim also publicly questioned Obi's ability, stating he might not even start for the U21s.

Insiders at United confirm that the coaching staff are dissatisfied with Obi's performance off the ball. Travis Binnion, who initially coached the U21s this season, openly criticized Obi's movement without possession. Now, Binnion is part of Carrick's coaching team.

The United academy insists that Obi's effort levels have improved following Amorim's criticism. His body language has noticeably improved; during Wednesday's Youth FA Cup match, when the referee awarded Sunderland a corner, Obi immediately sprinted back to defend in his own penalty area.

Binnion, along with Carrick, Evans, Woodgate, and other first-team coaches seated in the directors' box, remain unsatisfied with Obi, who wears the number 9 shirt. Despite scoring a goal, he failed to fulfill the linking role expected of a striker. Obi turned 18 last November; true striking talents often make an impact by this age. Obi may need to consider a loan move to prove himself elsewhere.

In the current United youth setup, the number 10 Gabriel is the main talking point, but English media report another young prospect also has a strong chance of being included in the first-team squad for pre-season this summer. Noah Ajayi, just 17 years old, holds triple nationality (English, German, Nigerian) and is a tall left winger standing 188cm—a position where United's first team lacks options. In the Youth FA Cup match against Sunderland witnessed by Carrick, Ajayi cut inside from the left and scored the opening goal with a long-range shot.

Top talents from United's academy will certainly have opportunities to join the club's pre-season tour this summer, as many first-team players will participate in the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, inevitably affecting pre-season plans. The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19th, a week later than usual. Internationals who reach the knockout stages, after a two-week break, may only return to their clubs around early August, while the Premier League kicks off on August 22nd. This could create space for Ajayi, Gabriel, and other United youngsters to join the pre-season preparations.