Former Arsenal wonderkid scores 14-minute hat-trick on full Man Utd U18s debut
Former Arsenal forward Chido Obi-Martin marked his full debut for Manchester United Under 18s by scoring a hat-trick within the first 15 minutes against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The 16-year-old, who left the Gunners to join United earlier this month, made a 27-minute cameo against Sunderland last weekend and was rewarded with his first start in the clash with Forest at Carrington.
Having been named in the XI, Obi-Martin wasted no time in justifying his inclusion, putting United ahead with just 13 seconds on the clock. He pounced on an under-hit pass before rounding Forest goalkeeper Keehan Willows and tapping into an empty net.
Four minutes later, the teenager added his second. A cross from the right wasn't cleared by Forest and the ball fell to Obi-Martin, who drilled home a low effort into bottom corner.
Obi-Martin completed his hat-trick just 14 minutes in, firing home a first-time effort from inside the box. James Scanlon's low cross found the Denmark Under 17s international in the box and he made no mistake from close-range to prod home his treble inside the first quarter of an hour.
A couple of minutes after, Obi-Martin had the opportunity to add his fourth of the game but his effort was straight at the goalkeeper. Obi-Martin was withdrawn at half-time by Victor Musa with United 5-0 up, with Scanlon and Amir Ibragimov finding the back of the net before the interval. Jim Alec Joseph Thwaites added a sixth for United as they ran out 6-0 winners in the end.
READ MORE: Arne Slot makes major Mohamed Salah decision ahead of Arsenal vs Liverpool Premier League clash
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta provides Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber injury update ahead of Arsenal vs Liverpool
Although it was a perfect afternoon overall for United, the credit will no doubt lie on Obi-Martin's shoulders after he swapped London for Manchester. Writing in an Instagram post after his move was confirmed, he said: "Very happy to sign with this amazing club, time to focus and achieve all my dreams. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far."