Chido Obi has received plaudits from Manchester United great Wayne Rooney after his performance against Fulham in Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round.

The young player replaced Rasmus Hojlund on the field in the 68th minute, shortly before Bruno Fernandes equalized with a fantastic left-footed goal.

The remarks were made during the fifth round of the FA Cup match, which ended with United shockingly losing 3–4 in the penalty shootout and being eliminated from the competition.

Amidst Ruben Amorim’s team’s difficulties in front of the opposition goal, the 17-year-old was recently elevated to the senior squad.

Throughout the entire season, Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee faced criticism for their lack of goals at Old Trafford.

“He’s put himself in some really good positions, which is what I really like about him,” Rooney stated on Sunday’s BBC Match of the Day.

“I think it’s really encouraging for Manchester United, but he was a little naive with some of his chances.” Zirkzee and Hojlund are clearly not scoring for them.

Now, that could be an additional choice later in the season. His performance has truly impressed me.

In 22 Premier League games during his second season at Old Trafford, the Danish international has only managed two goals.

Erik ten Hag’s band struggled in the opposition box, so Zirkzee was brought in to help, but they didn’t perform well either.

His chances are a little bit foolish, but I believe they’re extremely encouraging for Manchester United. Hojlund and Zirkzee are clearly not scoring for them.

Now, later in the season, that could be an additional choice. His abilities have truly amazed me.

In his 22 Premier League games, the Danish international, who is in his second season at Old Trafford, has only managed two goals.

Zirkzee, meantime, was introduced as a remedy for Erik ten Hag’s band’s difficulties in the opposing box, but they were unable to put on a compelling show.

Ruben Amorim, the Dutch striker’s new manager, frequently shifted him to United’s flanks.

Obi previously made his debut in the Red Devils’ 1-0 loss to Tottenham and played in their 2-2 draw with Everton on the road.

“It’s a fantastic save,” Micah Richards continued. “He doesn’t commit too early, he doesn’t go down too soon, he doesn’t stand up so he can just manage to get under it.”

“Obi has truly impressed me since he came on.”

The wonderkid unexpectedly left Arsenal in October 2024 to join Man United Academy.

Since joining the Red Devils’ system, Obi has left a lasting impact, tallying seven goals in three Youth Cup games.