Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke believes the club already has the solution to finding a backup for Benjamin Sesko: promote academy prospect Chido Obi. Sesko, who arrived from RB Leipzig last summer, initially struggled in the Premier League but found his form after Ruben Amorim was sacked in January. He scored a brace in his first game under Michael Carrick at Burnley and netted five goals in seven appearances before a season-ending injury in the win over Liverpool. The 23-year-old finished his debut campaign with 11 Premier League goals and is set to start the opening day trip to Hull City next month.
United's Striker Depth Concerns
United are short on alternative centre-forwards. Joshua Zirkzee struggled last season and may leave before the transfer window closes. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha can offer options up front but are also needed elsewhere. Speaking to Boyle Sports, Yorke argued that signing a high-quality backup is difficult because top players want regular game time. He suggested integrating 17-year-old Chido Obi into the first team instead.
Yorke's Call for Youth Integration
"Why not Chido Obi? You've got people already at the club who are highly rated, you've just got to integrate them into the squad," Yorke said. "That's the only way you're going to bring him on as a player because everybody needs a little bit of a chance, don't they. Michael Carrick, as the manager, will be able to see that and bring him in and keep him around the first team."
Obi's Academy Pedigree
Obi was first involved with the senior squad in the 2024/25 season when United were low on attackers. Last season, he scored 20 goals across all competitions for the academy and is expected to be one of several young players Carrick evaluates during pre-season. Yorke dismissed the idea of waiting for Obi to shine on loan before giving him a chance, saying: "I'm baffled by this idea that you wait and wait and wait hoping he'll have a remarkable season on loan for someone else before you give him a chance. I just don't get it when United can save their money and treat Chido Obi as their back up No.9. It makes sense."
