Manchester United have spent more than £200million on three forwards during the summer transfer window and Rio Ferdinand wouldn't approve of adding another striker - even on a free
Rio Ferdinand has told Manchester United to forget about signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin and put their faith in wonderkid Chido Obi. Calvert-Lewin, 28, is currently without a club after his contract with Everton expired in June.
The striker has been linked with a free transfer to Old Trafford as well as Newcastle and Leeds, with aspirations to rediscover his best form and play for England at the World Cup next summer. United have, of course, already signed a new striker during the summer transfer window, winning the race for RB Leipzig hotshot Benjamin Sesko in a £74million deal.
But unlike Calvert-Lewin, Sesko has no Premier League experience and it's been speculated that the Red Devils are considering making the ex-Everton star a contract offer. It's safe to say that Ferdinand would be against the move, as he wants to see 17-year-old Obi given minutes instead.
When it was put to the former United defender that Calvert-Lewin could be a target for the Red Devils, Ferdinand replied on his YouTube channel: "Dominic Calvert-Lewin? What are you chatting about, bruv?
"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.
"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?"
Obi was given his debut by United boss Ruben Amorim in February and made five further appearances before the end of last season. The Dane rose to prominence after scoring an incredible 32 goals in just 18 games for Arsenal's under-18 side before joining the Red Devils for a nominal fee last year.
Denmark manager Brian Riemer recently labelled Obi 'insanely exciting', telling Viaplay, as quoted by Tipsbladet: "He is in a place now where it is insanely exciting, but he has to make his breakthrough. That is the next step he has to focus on: breaking through at Manchester United. And from there he is a player who would be extremely interesting."
Should Manchester United sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin? Have your say in the comments section.
Ferdinand's comments come as United prepare to sell Rasmus Hojlund to AC Milan. Hojlund has been shoved down the pecking order by the arrival of Sesko, having endured two difficult seasons with the Red Devils following his £72m move from Atalanta.
The deal would be worth around £40m, potentially funding United's business in other areas. Amorim is reportedly targeting a midfielder, with Brighton star Carlos Baleba high on his shortlist.
A goalkeeper could also be signed to provide competition for Andre Onana. Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked, although Manchester City are the favourites to land his signature and are said to have agreed personal terms.
In addition to Hojlund, United are willing to sell Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia, who all weren't involved in the club's pre-season tour of the USA. Amorim's side begin their Premier League campaign at home to Arsenal on Sunday.
IsaacDust
0
He needs to also give them chance
BobbySaGE
0
Calvert-Lewin could be a bargain signing given his experience the EPL this season will be the most difficult from the look of things
I agree with that
Konarce4christ
0
send obi on loan and bring in Calvert
who is this blocked head?
focabiprsy
2
improve
moneklrsuy
1
send obi on loan and bring in Calvert
zunaprsty
0
That is better and may gain more experience
venbinopuz
2
Not calvert- Lewin, those are tired legs.
yodcdeios
0
Calvert-Lewin could be a bargain signing given his experience the EPL this season will be the most difficult from the look of things
vitinha23
0
Obi is still at a young stage in his career; it would be beneficial for him to be loaned out to gain further experience. Our current priority is not on management or playing time, but rather on achieving results this season. If there is an opportunity, I would recommend considering Rasmus Hojlund, Calvert-Lewin, who is 28 years old and available as a free agent at a low cost, to compete with the two strikers.
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he's not a top9
luuilnpstu
0
Obi is still at a young stage in his career; it would be beneficial for him to be loaned out to gain further experience. Our current priority is not on management or playing time, but rather on achieving results this season. If there is an opportunity, I would recommend considering Rasmus Hojlund, Calvert-Lewin, who is 28 years old and available as a free agent at a low cost, to compete with the two strikers.
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what do you think rejected players will do as soon as their career seems to come back to life and other clubs start showing interest again??? obviously go to one that they like! think again
cuceiklmot
1
Give Obi playing time! Forget about that guy even on free transfer! we want people whose hearts are United, not the one out of options 😒😒😒
I swear. Bro is desperate just imagine players thinking man united is their escape route and to make money
cuceiklmot
0
Obi is still at a young stage in his career; it would be beneficial for him to be loaned out to gain further experience. Our current priority is not on management or playing time, but rather on achieving results this season. If there is an opportunity, I would recommend considering Rasmus Hojlund, Calvert-Lewin, who is 28 years old and available as a free agent at a low cost, to compete with the two strikers.
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Yall forgetting we still have zirkzee
cuceiklmot
0
Bring Lewin in and send Obi on loan. Lewis is an experienced striker. He still has that force and quality to produce some goals.
Can't you read and understand what he's saying
yosdeikls
2
yes you are right legend
Emmyraymond
0
Bring Lewin in and send Obi on loan. Lewis is an experienced striker. He still has that force and quality to produce some goals.
Calvert is an experienced striker but can't stay fit like half a season. Obi can make a breakthrough if given a chance by the Coach
chingolaboy
0
exactly my thoughts
Yumcelmo
5
How I wish Ferdinand could join Man United technical team
Bewadelmo
0
Totally agreed with ferdinand
MukisaGerald
2
I don't know why United signed Obbi , now that Hojlund has failed and Obbi has been a better player than Hojlund, let Obbi stay with Sesko
tomceioyz
2
I agree with Rio
RachelTangi
0
Obi is still at a young stage in his career; it would be beneficial for him to be loaned out to gain further experience. Our current priority is not on management or playing time, but rather on achieving results this season. If there is an opportunity, I would recommend considering Rasmus Hojlund, Calvert-Lewin, who is 28 years old and available as a free agent at a low cost, to compete with the two strikers.
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Exactly. We want results, not experiments.
RachelTangi
1
Bring Lewin in and send Obi on loan. Lewis is an experienced striker. He still has that force and quality to produce some goals.
Marcusfadaka
1
give him chance please
vitinha23
2
Obi is still at a young stage in his career; it would be beneficial for him to be loaned out to gain further experience. Our current priority is not on management or playing time, but rather on achieving results this season. If there is an opportunity, I would recommend considering Rasmus Hojlund, Calvert-Lewin, who is 28 years old and available as a free agent at a low cost, to compete with the two strikers.
AFeryvYl2672
0
Oh yes Martin Obi should be given the chance or being a backup to Sesko
wiabcersy
1
Rio is perfectly right ✅️ Obi deserve playing time
adedefender
0
Man Utd rushed to sign Chido from Arsenal with the promise of first team games, what is going on now, or does Man Utd want another protest reignited for wasting club resources?
Rhema10
1
we need result not chance send Obi on loan get him to act as backup or give Sesko some good landing
luuilnpstu
0
obi need a chance
nice bro
luuilnpstu
6
Give Obi playing time! Forget about that guy even on free transfer! we want people whose hearts are United, not the one out of options 😒😒😒
donreal1990
5
obi need a chance