Chido Obi-Martin stepped onto the pitch at Old Trafford, a 17-year-old with nothing to lose and everything to prove. The young forward, who joined Manchester United from Arsenal last summer, found himself in the spotlight after making a late substitute appearance against Fulham in the FA Cup.

Despite Manchester United’s struggles that night, Obi-Martin’s brief performance caught the eye of fans and legends alike. Among those impressed was former United and England striker Andy Cole, a man who knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

“He did well,” Cole said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents Podcast. “At 17, what’s your fear? He has nothing to be scared of. When you’re that young, you’re raw, fearless. I watched him, and I think he’s got a chance. He’s still rough around the edges, but that’s expected.”

However, talent alone isn’t enough to make it in football. Cole, a five-time Premier League champion and the fourth-highest scorer in the competition’s history, warned the youngster about the challenges ahead.

“I only made it when I retired. That’s when I looked back and thought, ‘Yeah, I did alright.’ At 17, you’re just starting. No matter what you’ve done, you’ve not made it yet. Head down, keep working hard. Football has its pitfalls, but if you stay focused, you’ll do okay.”

Meanwhile, Obi-Martin wasn’t the only player making headlines that night. On the opposite end, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey delivered a stunning blow, scoring against United before helping his side secure a quarter-final spot through a penalty shootout.

For Obi-Martin, the journey is just beginning. The Theatre of Dreams has seen many rise and fall, but with the right attitude and relentless work ethic, he may just carve his own legacy at Manchester United.