Chido-Obi exit update at Man United after Benjamin Sesko arrival
Benjamin Sesko’s arrival at Old Trafford has raised questions over Man United’s plans for Chido-Obi this summer.
Signing from RB Leipzig on a £74million deal [Sky Sports], there is absolutely no doubt that the Slovenian international will be trusted by Ruben Amorim to lead the line for the Red Devils.
He netted 21 goals and assisted another six goals in 45 appearances last season, adding to an already incredible career total, and has now earned his move to the Premier League.
Newcastle United had been targeting Sesko until the 22-year-old chose a move to Old Trafford, handing Eddie Howe and his team yet another blow, and also blows to the current strikers in Manchester.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have been nowhere good enough in recent months, and while Chido-Obi was a bright spark at times, supporters are worried about his inclusion next season.
Chido-Obi exit still possible at Man United
According to the Daily Mail (12 August), club insiders have revealed that there are no current plans to send Chido-Obi on loan due to Hojlund’s impending exit at Old Trafford.
His minutes are likely to be limited following Sesko’s arrival, meaning a last-gasp departure is not completely closed off should the right offer come in, but the expectation is for him to continue his development with the first team.
The 17-year-old arrived from Arsenal during the winter transfer window, making eight senior appearances since making the move, and becoming a favourite figure amongst the fans.
Ruben Amorim with tough decisions to make
Football Insider verdict
With Amorim already under pressure as Man United boss, deciding to start a youngster ahead of more experienced figures could be seen as a risk, but so could sending him away from the first team.
There is no doubt that a Championship loan would help his development much more than it would staying at Old Trafford, and there will also be no European football to experience either.
Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro have both flourished since coming into the senior side and being trusted with a starting position, but Chido-Obi needs far more minutes.
With Sesko at the club, there is very little chance of him starting a game next season, especially if the Red Devils are to improve on their league standing, but he is the striker that fans have pleaded for.
Gone are the days of Zlatan Ibrahimovic or the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, but if Sesko can make a quick start to life at Old Trafford, fans will quickly fall in love with his work ethic and talent.
Before thinking about shipping the young talent out, however, the club needs to focus on sealing exits for the “bomb squad” of Hojlund, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho.