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.
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“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.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
