Manchester United reportedly fear that striker Benjamin Sesko could be sidelined until the New Year after suffering a fresh injury setback. The 23-year-old forward has been out of action for approximately a month with a recurring shin problem.
Injury Concerns and Recovery Timeline
Sesko transferred to Old Trafford from RB Leipzig for roughly £74 million during the 2025 summer transfer window. After scoring 12 goals in all competitions during his debut season, he added two goals in his first six appearances of the current campaign. Head coach Michael Carrick initially used the forward as an impact substitute in the first four Premier League matches of the season.
Addressing the media on Monday regarding the player’s fitness, Carrick told reporters that the club hoped to have a clear picture soon, noting that work was ongoing behind the scenes. According to a report by The Sun, thorough checks at the Carrington training complex have led club sources to worry that the player faces an absence of up to four months. While sources close to the striker hope the recovery will not stretch into February, they are preparing for a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
Transfer Implications and Pundit Criticism
The potential long-term absence of the forward could push Manchester United to target a new striker during the winter transfer window. The club did not acquire a back-up center-forward in the summer because they were unable to move on Joshua Zirkzee.
Meanwhile, pundit Ally McCoist criticized Carrick’s approach to the club’s forward options this season while speaking to talkSPORT Bet. McCoist expressed surprise that the team has not consistently deployed a traditional center-forward, comparing the current situation to historical strike partnerships at the club.
McCoist stated: “It’s staggering that Manchester United haven’t been playing an out-and-out centre forward. I know Benjamin Sesko has had injury problems, but you look at the success United had with Cole, Yorke, Sheringham, Solskjaer, or later with Ronaldo, Tevez, and Rooney.”
The pundit added that while world-class strikers may currently prioritize clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Bayern Munich for trophies, Manchester United still need to solve their goalscoring issues. He concluded that he hopes to see Sesko regain fitness and secure a consistent run in the team because the player possesses goalscoring ability.
