Manchester United achieves quick history with Chido Obi-Martin's impressive debut
Fresh Kicks: Chido Obi-Martin Shatters History as Manchester United's Youngest Premier League Starter
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the English Premier League, 17-year-old prodigy Chido Obi-Martin made a history-making debut for Manchester United on Sunday[3]. The teenager was eagerly tossed into the deep end by manager Ruben Amorim, becoming the youngest-ever player to kick off a Premier League match for the Red Devils[1][2][4].
The young gun was just 17 years and 156 days old when he took the field at Brentford, an age that narrowly edges out Mason Greenwood's old record by a staggering 80 days[4]. Obi-Martin's journey to the prestigious Old Trafford began back in October when he signed from Arsenal, marking his return to the United academy[4].
Prior to this impressive feat, Obi-Martin had already made a splash in the United first-team, appearing in 7 matches since his arrival at the club[4]. Although his Premier League debut was yet to net him a goal for the Red Devils, the young striker had already managed to find the back of the net 12 times in just 10 outings for their Under-18 ranks[4].
Expressing his thoughts on the matter, Amorim shared his motivation for handing Obi-Martin his first league start, "Our youth players deserve our focus. I don’t want to put too much pressure on Chido. He played exceptionally well against Wolverhampton and seems ready to face the Premier League demands"[4].
With an average age of a meager 22 years and 270 days, the squad Amorim sent out for the game against Brentford took its place as the third youngest starting line-up in Premier League history[4]. The record for the youngest starting line-up, by Middlesbrough in 2006, still holds at 20 years and 181 days[4].
This groundbreaking beginning comes as Manchester United is inching ever closer to the Europa League final. Their midweek triumph over Athletic Bilbao has bolstered their 3-0 lead ahead of the second leg[4]. A win against Brentford on Sunday would thrust the Red Devils up to 13th in the table[4].
Under Amorim's charge, United's future seems to be brimming with more youth and upheaval. With a focus on its flourishing prodigies, the club seems set to challenge the old guard in the Premier League.
Footnotes:
- Manchester United vs Brentford, May 4, 2025
- Chido Obi-Martin Record Breaker
- Chido Obi-Martin | Manchester United player profile
- Chido Obi-Martin sets new Man U record
- The historic debut of Chido Obi-Martin at 17 years and 156 days old for Manchester United, in the Premier League, narrowly edges out Mason Greenwood's old record.
- Obi-Martin's journey to Manchester United began in October when he signed from Arsenal, returning to the United academy.
- With 12 goals in just 10 outings for the Under-18 ranks, Obi-Martin had already made a splash in the United first-team, appearing in 7 matches since his arrival.
- Amidst the youthful revolution at Manchester United, under manager Ruben Amorim, the club's focus is on flourishing prodigies and challenging the old guard in the Premier League.
