Fabrizio Romano: Ruud van Nistelrooy “crucial” in Man United’s pursuit of Chido Obi-Martin

Ruud van Nistelrooy played a “crucial” role in convincing Chido Obi-Martin to join Manchester United from Arsenal, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

The Italian transfer guru describes how “direct talks” between the 16-year-old striker and the United coach were “crucial to get the green light” over the sensational move, which was revealed last night through Romano’s trademark ‘Here We Go’ seal of approval.

Tweet: “Understand Ruud van Nistelrooy held direct talks with Chido Obi-Martin to present him Man United project for long term. Van Nistelrooy, crucial to get the green light from Chido as deal is done and set to be signed.”

The Danish striker, who scored 27 goals in just 19 appearances for Arsenal’s U-18 team last season, despite playing two years up, is one of the most highly-rated youngsters within academy football in England.

There was significant interest in the 16-year-old within England as well as Germany.

Steve Railston (Manchester Evening News) describes the capture of the Obi-Martin from a rival as a “significant coup” with United’s desire to make the move happen evident from the wide-ranging involvement from key figures at the club.

Railston reveals Nick Cox (Head of Academy) and Luke Fedorenko (Head of Academy Recruitment) were “hugely influential” in the deal with the pair, having previously worked together in Sheffield United’s academy.

Interestingly, HITC also contends sources at Old Trafford indicate Danish duo Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund “pushed the club to strike a deal” for their young countryman.

Obi-Martin has previously spoke of his admiration for Hojlund, describing the 21-year-old striker as someone “you can learn a lot from”.

“I really like Rasmus Hojlund. He is strong and powerful, so you can learn a lot from him. At the start he didn’t score that much for United, but now he has really found his form”, the young Dane stated about his compatriot.

Obi-Martin was said to be convinced to swap the Emirates for Old Trafford as the pathway to the first-team was clearer at United. And, as explained in greater detail by The Peoples Person here, the young striker looks set for a much more prominent role at the club this season than one may have expected from a 16-year-old.

Obi-Martin will be considered the “third striker” at the club, behind Hojlund and new signing Joshua Zirkzee. He will be involved in both academy and first-team training, helping to buttress a senior squad who were desperately short on goals last season.

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