What Ruben Amorim said about Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven is punishing after Arsenal snub

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Arsenal bid farewell to Hale End duo Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi in 2024/25 as the two talents joined Manchester United.

After Obi made waves in the Arsenal academy, there was uncertainty regarding his future as his contract in North London expired in the summer. 

The teenager was offered a lucrative deal at Manchester United and made the switch to Old Trafford, where he has since been handed first-team minutes.

Heaven has also enjoyed a glimpse of senior action following his transfer, with the two youngsters aiming to make an impact under Ruben Amorim. 

• READ MORE: The real reason Hale End wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin was ‘asked to leave’ Arsenal this summer

Ruben Amorim reacts to Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi FA Cup cameo

After making the Premier League squad for consecutive games, Heaven earned his senior debut for United in the FA Cup against Fulham.

The 18-year-old spent 30 minutes on the pitch, with his teammate Obi earning a 52-minute cameo. 

While Heaven’s influence was more quiet and tidy, Obi was close to earning the headlines as the striker had the chance to score in extra time.

The Norweigan caused Fulham problems after coming on and despite not being able to score his first senior goal, earned high praise from Amorim at full-time, via Manchester United’s official website.  

“They are players with talent and then, when you have this moment with some injuries, they have to be ready, it’s our tradition to put players in to play, especially in this moment.

“We have to focus on everything, the future is right there and the young kids can feel the club and can change things sometimes for us, without buying players.”

Amorim then applauded Obi’s movement in the final third, as well as celebrating Heaven’s ‘relaxed’ approach.

“And I think Chido did really well today. Of course, he was a little bit naïve in some moments, but you felt that, inside the box, he wants the ball – something the strikers have and he has.

“Ayden was really relaxed during the game so I’m quite happy for them but it’s a tough first [home] game for them.”

• READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand says Arteta would’ve given chances to one player if he stayed, but he left Arsenal for free

How Mikel Arteta must feel about trust in Chido Obi

While there’s no doubt that Mikel Arteta understood the talent Obi has, Arsenal failed to keep the teenager in North London. 

Obi had astronomical wage demands that the Gunners were not understood to be willing to pay, something that ultimately paved the way to the striker’s move to Old Trafford. 

It’s positive to see the player earning praise in the first team for Man United but, it’s equally punishing for Arteta given the profile his squad so desperately needs right now.

Amorim noticed the striker instincts that Obi was demonstrating at senior level, with the only thing missing from his performance being a goal.

Whether the Spaniard could’ve utilised the academy product this season is something that can only be speculated but, his encouraging start to life at United suggests that Obi could’ve had a role to play amid Arsenal’s attacking struggles.