Chido Obi-Martin scores 14-minute hattrick in first appearance since leaving Arsenal

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Arsenal were dealt a frustrating blow in the summer when one of their top academy prospects forced a move to Manchester United.

Young striker Chido Obi-Martin broke several Arsenal academy records in an outstanding campaign at under-18 level last season, but there was a huge dilemma over his future.

Rather than signing scholarship terms at Arsenal, Obi-Martin forced through a move to Man United, a devastating blow for the Hale End Academy as they lost one of the best goalscoring prospects in years.

Obi-Martin has now made his first appearance in Man United colours, and he has picked up where he left off.

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Former Arsenal youngster Chido Obi-Martin scores hattrick on Man Utd debut

Obi-Martin’s move from Arsenal was delayed until a compensation package could be agreed over his move, which was finally confirmed in recent weeks.

He was included in the starting XI as Man United’s under-18 side faced Nottingham Forest at Carrington, and he got off to the perfect start as he capitalised on a mistake to score within 10 seconds.

Obi-Martin then doubled his tally just four minutes later as he found the bottom corner after another mistake at the back, before netting his third goal with a powerful finish in the 14th minute.

The striker was substituted at half-time, with his job already done, and Arsenal will be watching his progress with some frustration.

Why did Chido Obi-Martin leave Arsenal?

The 16-year-old was reportedly keen on playing at a higher level than under-18s, but Arsenal were seemingly willing to give him a chance with the under-21s.

Arsenal offered Obi-Martin a record-breaking contract at scholarship level, but it was reported in the summer that Man United had doubled this offer to lure him to Old Trafford.

Obi-Martin was also seemingly concerned about his pathway to the first-team, with Mikel Arteta even stepping in to contract talks to try and convince him to stay.

There was little more Arsenal could have done to prevent losing such a huge talent, but they will hope that Obi-Martin does not become a repeat of Andy Cole, who became one of the Premier League’s best-ever forwards at Man United after leaving Arsenal as a youngster.