Manchester United are not planning to send Chido Obi out on loan following the signing of Benjamin Sesko, according to reports.
The 17-year-old joined United last October off the back of an impressive scoring record for Arsenal with 32 goals in 18 games at youth level.
Chido was handed his first-team debut by Ruben Amorim in February and the striker made eight appearances in all competitions last season.
The striker was part of United’s pre-season tour squad this summer and did feature in the friendlies against West Ham and Bournemouth last month.
However, Chido was left on the bench for the 2-2 draw with Everton on August 3, as well as the 1-1 draw against Fiorentina at Old Trafford last Saturday.
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The arrivals of Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have also increased the level of competition in United’s attack and could be viewed as blocking the pathway for Chido to receive more first-team opportunities.
But according to the Daily Mail, United are currently planning to keep Chido with Amorim’s squad and are not actively looking at potential loan moves for the 17-year-old.
The report adds that United are not fully closing the door on a loan deal for Chido but the club expect him to remain at Old Trafford for the upcoming campaign.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand urged United against a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is set to join Leeds United on a free transfer, and told his former club to develop Chido instead.
‘Calvert-Lewin can’t stay fit. No. Why would we bring him in to this club? This club is built on the academy and we’ve got Chido Obi sitting there,’ Ferdinand said.
‘Play him if you just need someone for a few games rather than someone who’s older and can’t stay fit. Sign Calvert-Lewin? On what grounds?
‘No, I’m sorry, I disagree massively, I disagree massively. What message does that send to the rest of the Premier League or more importantly to your squad?’
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