Man Utd make decision on Chido Obi exit after £74m Benjamin Sesko transfer

Manchester United's £74million capture of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has sparked immense excitement among supporters who were craving a new goalscorer earlier this summer. United have since recruited three, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo joining before Sesko, providing optimism ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

But while Ruben Amorim's new-look attack promises to turn the Red Devils into a far more dangerous side this season, there are natural questions regarding Chido Obi. The 17-year-old broke into the first team months after joining United's academy from Arsenal, making eight senior appearances last term.

A significant factor in Obi's decision to swap Hale End for Carrington was the pathway to first-team football and United's track record of delivering young players opportunities.

However, the teenage starlet is currently third in the striker pecking order behind Sesko and Rasmus Hojlund, despite efforts to cash in on the latter.

Cunha and Mbeumo can also operate as the frontman, while Joshua Zirkzee is another option once he returns to full fitness.

Therefore, Sesko's arrival sparked suggestions that Obi could spend the 25/26 season away from Manchester on loan to continue his development.

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But that does not appear to be the case. According to the Daily Mail, there are currently no plans to sanction a temporary exit.

United's attempts to offload Hojlund may suggest that Amorim is ready to trust Obi as Sesko's backup striker, with the support of Cunha, Mbeumo and Zirkzee.

AC Milan are most intensely pursuing Hojlund, reportedly closing in on a £5.1m season-long loan with an option to buy for £38.8m next summer.

The 22-year-old has publicly insisted he wants to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his future at his dream club.

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However, Amorim made his plans for Hojlund clear in United's final two pre-season matches, first handing him just 18 minutes off the bench against Everton in Atlanta.

The Dane then did not get any game time when United faced Fiorentina at Old Trafford last Saturday in a damning indication of his inevitably reduced role.

Hojlund is ultimately expected to depart, and Amorim appears ready to trust Obi to provide Sesko with sufficient cover throughout the campaign.

The former Arsenal wonderkid will likely also feature for the Under-21s to ensure he is playing enough minutes rather than watching from the dugout.