According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United have no plans to loan out youngster Chido Obi, with Rasmus Hojlund likely to leave.
United have told Hojlund to leave following the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. The Danish forward is already exploring his options and has been linked with several clubs.
AC Milan are pushing the hardest for his signature and are hoping to agree on a deal this week. Newcastle United are also ‘taking a look‘ at him as they continue their search for Alexander Isak’s replacement.
Hojlund’s departure means Obi will be Sesko’s natural replacement if he gets injured or needs rest.
The 17-year-old debuted for Man United’s first team last season and made eight competitive appearances across all competitions. He featured in three games during the pre-season.
Obi has yet to make his mark with the first team, which is unsurprising, given his level of experience.
While United has decided not to loan out the Denmark youth international, he may not get enough game time due to the expectations of the upcoming season.
Manager Ruben Amorim is expected to rely heavily on Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha and the trio are expected to play regularly to get results.
The absence of European football also means that Amorim is unlikely to rotate like last season. He can afford to make little or no changes to his starting line-up for Premier League games.
Obi could get minutes during cup competitions, but that may not be enough to continue his growth.
A loan deal would have benefited the Danish youngster, but the need to remove Hojlund from the wage bill have forced Man United to decide to keep him.