Sesko Out Until January With Injury, Man United Faces Tough Times

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko will be out of action until at least January due to a shin injury. This is a big setback for the club at a critical point in the season.

BBC Sport reported on Wednesday that the 23-year-old Slovenia international has not played for United since they lost to Brighton in the Carabao Cup on September 16. He was taken off in the 66th minute of that match.

Sesko has gone through several medical tests to find out what’s wrong. Sources say the injury is from an impact rather than shin splints.

This injury is not new for the striker. He missed pre-season with a similar issue. It also caused him to miss the last three Premier League games against Liverpool in May.

Since joining Manchester United from RB Leipzig in August 2025 for £73.7 million, Sesko has played 38 games in total. He has scored 14 goals and assisted once.

Even though he has missed eight matches, he was the club’s joint-top scorer last season in the Premier League, finishing with 11 goals alongside Bryan Mbeumo.

His absence leaves manager Michael Carrick with fewer options in attack, as Sesko is seen as the only real centre-forward in the squad.

This season, he scored twice. He netted a goal against Everton in the Premier League and another against Sabah FK in the Champions League. After the match against Sabah, he felt relieved to be injury-free, but this new setback has interrupted his progress.

Now, Sesko is set to miss several key matches, including important league games against Liverpool and Arsenal, as well as at least three Champions League matches.

His long absence might also affect United’s strategies for the January transfer window. The team is lacking a natural centre-forward, and this has raised concerns with their recent poor performances.

United has had a rough time in the league, with their only win coming against Ipswich on August 30. They have not won any matches in all competitions since September 10.

Tensions have reportedly risen after last Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League. Captain Bruno Fernandes criticized Carrick’s tactics after the game.

Fernandes did not play during Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, but reports say he and Carrick talked on Tuesday to try to clear things up.

Many thought Carrick might lose his job after the Bournemouth defeat. But he will stay in charge for Saturday’s Premier League game against Chelsea, which is set for 12:30 GMT.

With Sesko out and United struggling for form, the next few weeks will be crucial for the team’s season and plans to boost the squad.