'Playing time is crucial' – Denmark U21 coach sends transfer message to Man Utd striker Obi

Denmark U21 head coach Lars Knudsen has underlined the importance of regular playing time for young talents, urging Manchester United striker Chido Obi to prioritise minutes on the pitch as his development continues.

Obi, who is also eligible to represent Nigeria's Super Eagles, made eight senior appearances in his first season at Manchester United.

Despite training with the first team during pre-season, Obi has slipped down manager Ruben Amorim's pecking order of attackers following the arrivals of Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

The 17-year-old was left out of Manchester United's matchday squads for their opening two Premier League fixtures and has instead been maintaining his fitness with appearances for the U21s in Premier League 2.

Knudsen, who has included Obi in his squad for the upcoming games against Norway and Wales, expressed hope that the young forward can soon secure a pathway that ensures consistent development.

When pressed on whether Obi might need to consider a move away from Manchester United, Knudsen remained cautious but stressed the importance of game time.

"I can't stand here and say anything about that, because it's somewhere else than with me," Knudsen was quoted as saying by Bold.

"It's just a hope we have for the national teams, because we know that playing time is crucial.

"This is both for performance, but also for these young people in terms of developing themselves.

"Of course, we hope that he will get somewhere where he can play."

Obi made his Denmark U21 debut in March and has remained part of the set-up despite the recent change in coaching staff.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com