Man Utd risk upsetting Chido Obi with transfer decision as Arsenal exit backfires

Manchester United earned a significant scalp last summer when they successfully lured Chido Obi to Carrington from Arsenal's Hale End academy. The fabled wonderkid who had scored 10 goals in a single match against Liverpool did not take long to settle into his new surroundings and continue his relentless exploits.

After netting 12 times in 10 games for United's Under-18s and notching two more in four Under-21 outings, senior football beckoned. Injuries and the Red Devils' toothless form in front of goal both contributed to Ruben Amorim fast-tracking Obi's progression, handing him eight appearances, including one start.

That pathway was reportedly crucial to the Denmark youth international's decision to abandon Arsenal.

Obi became United's 252nd academy graduate when he made his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in February.

In comparison, Arsenal's tally stands at just over 50, which emphasises the Red Devils' proud history of handing opportunities to young players deemed good enough.

But while Amorim's attack-focused summer of recruitment was desperately needed after his side scored just 44 times in the Premier League last term, it raises questions.

One of which is how this impacts Obi?

United have splashed £133.5million to sign Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to occupy the 'No. 10' roles primarily.

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But both players can operate as the central striker, as can Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who cost a combined £108.5m.

Amorim is not done, though. United are pressing forward with plans to complete an attacking overhaul with the signing of Benjamin Sesko.

RB Leipzig want a guaranteed fee of £64m for the 22-year-old, as well as add-ons and a percentage of a future sale.

With Hojlund also 22 and none of Mbeumo, Cunha, and Zirkzee over 26, United risk inadvertently blocking Obi's progression.

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Sesko will be arriving as a starter, which could, in theory, force Hojlund to pursue regular football elsewhere. But even then, there is serious competition for minutes.

The likely outcome is that Obi plays most of his football in the Under-21s this season until he is ready to stake a claim. That was likely the plan before United's latest injury crisis last term.

How quickly the starlet has entered the spotlight makes it easy to forget that he is just 17. Given he has already dipped his toes into senior football, though, a loan could make more sense.

Sesko's arrival would undoubtedly bolster Amorim's firepower, but it would also spark a dilemma that Obi may not have foreseen when deciding to give up on the Gunners.