Chido Obi gets major Man Utd boost as Ruben Amorim gamble pays dividends

's forward options have taken a hit with Joshua Zirkzee ruled out for the season. But the striker's injury has boosted 's chances of getting a run in the side down the stretch, with the 17-year-old suddenly finding himself second in the centre-forward pecking order.

Zirkzee hobbled off in the 4-1 defeat at on Sunday, and Amorim has since confirmed that a hamstring injury will rule him out for the rest of the campaign. is the only other natural central striker who has been a regular fixture in the Red Devils' squad this season, but the Dane will need back-up in case he follows Zirkzee into the treatment room.

And Obi could be the man to provide it. All of a sudden, from never having played a senior game in early February, the teenager finds himself in prime position to be given a handful of matches over the coming weeks.

Obi is not in United's Europa League squad, but there are six Premier League games remaining, starting with Wolves' trip to Old Trafford on Sunday. The youngster, who has been tearing it up at youth level, has not made a league appearance for a month, but he was part of the matchday squad when United hosted Manchester City less than two weeks ago.

And crucially, he is now a player with first-team experience. Amorim took a gamble by promoting him earlier this campaign, and he could reap the rewards of giving Obi a taste of senior football if he needs to call on him for the latter part of this season.

Obi does not have much to show for his four substitute appearances in a United shirt, but his scoring record in youth competitions speaks for itself. The former Arsenal academy star has scored seven goals in four FA Youth Cup games and five goals in six U18 Premier League matches.

With Hojlund still fit and available, it seems unlikely that Obi will become a nailed-on starter at this stage of his development. But it is hard to imagine that Zirkzee's injury has harmed his chances of seeing more action off the bench, or from the start if Hojlund needs a rest.

Amorim could still throw a spanner in the works, however. Alejandro Garnacho is a candidate to take on the central role if the boss decides he would rather play a winger out of position than throw a young player in at the deep end.

Gabriele Biancheri is also knocking on the door of the first-team. Unlike Obi, the 18-year-old striker is part of United's Europa League squad, and he could play a part in the quarter-final second leg against Lyon on Thursday, which may lead to further opportunities.