Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko will remain sidelined until at least January as he continues to recover from a shin injury sustained earlier this season. The 23-year-old forward has not featured for the club since starting in the Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in September. Head coach Michael Carrick has refrained from providing a definitive timeline for Sesko’s return, citing the need for further rest and ongoing assessment by the club’s medical team and specialists.
Sesko, who scored 12 goals last season, had netted twice in six appearances this term before the injury forced him out of action. Medical staff considered surgery but ultimately opted for a conservative approach centered on rest. The club had initially issued a statement in September confirming further tests would precede the development of a recovery plan. It is reported that the current setback may be related to a prior injury Sesko incurred towards the end of last season, which had already caused him to miss the final three games.
Sesko’s absence presents a significant challenge for Carrick, as the Slovenian is Manchester United’s only recognized No. 9 in the squad. His goals have provided a focal point in attack, including five scored after Carrick assumed head coaching duties in January. The club’s limited reinforcement in forward positions during the summer transfer window has drawn criticism, with priority given to midfield acquisitions such as Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Carlos Baleba rather than striking options.
Defender Lisandro Martínez publicly criticized the club's leadership for the transfer strategy, specifically naming sporting director Jason Wilcox, which added to a growing sense of unease at Old Trafford. This came just days before team captain Bruno Fernandes reportedly clashed with Carrick over tactical decisions following a 4-1 defeat.
Meanwhile, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is nearing a return to full fitness after missing the past four matches. He has resumed training ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea. In contrast, Marcus Rashford remains out with a hip problem and is unlikely to participate before the upcoming international break. Sources indicate Rashford will miss the Champions League match against Roma as well as the following league game against Aston Villa.
Amidst these sporting challenges, Manchester United is also dealing with internal issues. Fernandes’ form and demeanor have notably improved recently after off-field difficulties, including a burglary at his family home in Cheshire during an away match. The club, which has managed just two wins in all competitions this season, convened an online meeting involving chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Wilcox, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and co-chairmen Joel and Avram Glazer to determine the path forward.
The consensus from the meeting was to extend Carrick’s tenure as head coach, with an understanding that both the manager and players must take responsibility for reversing the club’s current struggles.