Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has opened up on the early challenges faced by teenage forward Chido Obi following his highly-anticipated arrival at Old Trafford. 

The Portuguese coach, speaking to the club’s official website, reflected on the circumstances that led to the youngster being thrust into senior action earlier than planned, and the difficulties that came with such rapid exposure.

Obi, who made a high-profile switch from Arsenal last year after declining the chance to sign a scholarship contract with the Gunners, arrived at United amid significant media attention. 

Considered one of the brightest attacking prospects of his age group, the 17-year-old was quickly integrated into the first-team environment during a transitional period for the club.

Amorim acknowledged that the decision to use Obi at just 16 was born out of necessity rather than ideal timing. 

"Yeah, of course. He played last year (season), I think it was too soon. We didn’t have a team that we could put a young kid at 16 [into so much so that] he would not struggle, or he will [only] struggle a little bit. It was necessary to do that," Amorim told United's official webpage. 

The Manchester United boss stressed the importance of creating the right developmental pathway for academy talents. 

"The perfect conditions are we have the opportunity, and we seek that opportunity for the kid, so he is one of the guys, but I think he started too soon and it is sometimes difficult to deal with that with the kids. 

"Because they think: ‘I am already here.’ No, you are here for necessity, and we need to be careful also with that, with the kids," he said.

Obi made eight senior appearances last season, gaining senior experience but ultimately finding it difficult to adapt to the intensity and physicality of Premier League football. 

Wale Adejumo