CHIDO OBI-MARTIN has been described as “a cheat code” after scoring a 14-minute hat-trick for Manchester United Under-18s.
The 16-year-old had a long-running transfer saga after quitting Arsenal before he was allowed to finally join Man Utd in late September.
Obi-Martin failed to score on his U18 Prem debut for United off the bench against Sunderland last week.
However, he more than made up for it in his second appearance against Nottingham Forest.
Named in the starting XI by manager Adam Lawrence, Obi-Martin then took just 11 seconds to get on the scoresheet.
It came as he chased down the ball following an underhit back pass to the goalkeeper, before going around the goalie and passing the ball into the back of the net.
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Obi-Martin was then on hand again in the fifth minute, when a defender managed to get their foot to a low cross to the edge of the area.
But the touch kindly fell to Obi-Martin, who then took a touch before burying a shot across goal and into the bottom left corner.
He then sensationally bagged his hat-trick in the 14th minute to put the young Red Devils 3-0 ahead.
Reacting to the stunning display, one fan said: “What a talent.”
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A second said: “Bring him to the first team.”
A third said: “Get him in the first team right now.”
Another said: “Promote him to the first team and watch him cook.”
Obi-Martin had scored 32 goals in 18 matches in the U18 Premier League last season, including netting TEN in one game against Liverpool.
He was replaced by Victor Musa at half-time against Forest, denying him the chance to add to his goal tally.
James Scanlon – another highly-rated prospect who fans have called to be promoted to the first team – added United’s fourth in the 39th minute.
Amir Ibragimov then scored a fifth on the stroke of half-time as the teams went in with a five-goal difference.
Jim Thwaites added the final and sixth goal of the game.
United’s biggest win of the season so far saw them batter Blackburn 9-0 in September.
They have a 100 per cent win rate so far this season, having lost just twice last season on route to the Treble.
Man Utd’s senior team have struggled for goals this season, having only netted seven times in eight league matches.
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They face West Ham on Sunday hoping to ditch their profligate shooting and build on the win over Brentford last weekend, when Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund got on the scoresheet.
The much improved performance against the Bees came as manager Erik ten Hag made a tactical switch that saw Marcus Rashford take up a surprise role.
Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker
MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.
Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.
Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.
But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.
SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…
Andre Onana – 7
Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.
His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.
Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.
Victor Lindelof – 4
Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.
Hauled off in the 54th minute.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.
Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.
Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.
Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.
Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.
Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
