Manchester United are facing a new setback in their Premier League campaign, with striker Benjamin Sesko sidelined until January following a shin injury, the BBC reports. The 23-year-old, who joined the club from Leipzig in August 2025 for 76.5 million euros, has already started 38 games, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist. His absence comes at a critical moment, as the team is in fifth position in the table, just one point above the relegation zone, and the poor run of results calls into question the continuity of coach Michael Carrick.
Sesko has not played for United since the League Cup elimination against Brighton on September 16 (2-3), when he was substituted in the 66th minute. The injury, which is not tibial periostitis but rather an impact on the tibia, prevented him from participating in the entire preseason and also cost him the last three games of last season, when he faced Liverpool in May. The diagnosis indicates that recovery will require at least until January, which will leave the team without its only classic center forward.
The impact of Sesko's absence is especially felt in United's attack. The forward is the team's top scorer in the Premier League in the 2025-26 season, with 11 goals, tied with Bryan Mbeumo. His ability to score and create opportunities is essential for Carrick, who has had to rely on a more dispersed cast of roles up front. The loss of Sesko not only weakens the attacking line, but also increases pressure on the coaching staff to find alternatives that can keep the club competitive.
At the table level, United remain just one point above the relegation zone, which adds urgency to the search for solutions. The club's fans and management are increasingly concerned about the continuity of Carrick, whose future is threatened by the series of negative results. Sesko's injury, coupled with the lack of a quality striker, could be a decisive factor in the next phase of the competition.
The next step for Manchester United will be to manage Sesko's absence and strengthen the forward line. The club will have to evaluate possible seasonal signings or the promotion of players from the internal development system to fill the gap. Meanwhile, the coaching staff will continue working with the rest of the squad to try to reverse the situation and prevent the team from falling into the relegation zone. The season is still underway, and Sesko's departure until January will mark a significant challenge for United in the upcoming games.