Obi, who was highly impressive in last year’s Milk Cup where he scored 10 goals in five games for Watford, was nicknamed “Nigerian Messi” after his exploits at the tournament.
He was also being monitored by United’s premier league rivals, Liverpool and Arsenal, for some time.
The Red Devils won the race for the youngster’s signature after getting permission from Watford to talk to him. They gave the youngster a tour of their facilities and he trained with other players at the club’s Carrington complex, and that is believed to have influenced his decision to join United.
Watford’s attempt to keep Obi, having offered him a place on their scholarship scheme as well as a one-year professional contract, failed to entice the player to give up his ambition of making it through the ranks at Manchester United.
