Manchester United coach Michael Carrick was in attendance as youngster Chido Obi suffered a worrying head injury during the Red Devils’ 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in a Premier League 2 clash on Monday evening.

The 18-year-old forward, who joined United from Arsenal, was forced off in the first half after being struck in the head by a long clearance from Chelsea Under-21 goalkeeper Max Merrick. 

Obi, pressing high to close down the goalkeeper, took the ball flush to the head and was left motionless on the turf for over five minutes as medical staff attended to him. He was eventually replaced by Victor Musa.

The teenage striker had been in fine form heading into the encounter, scoring four goals in the 4-1 win over Leicester City last week. 

Overall, Obi has netted nine times in 15 Premier League 2 appearances this season, playing a key role in United’s title push. 

The defeat saw Chelsea climb to the top of the standings, while United sit third.

Obi will be disappointed to have missed the opportunity to impress Carrick, especially after training with the first team recently. 

Although he is yet to feature in the Premier League this season, the teenage striker made seven appearances under Ruben Amorim in the previous campaign and continues to be regarded as one of the club’s brightest prospects.

Adeyemi Adewale