Man United eye Calvert-Lewin as Sesko faces extended absence with shin injury

Manchester United are weighing up a surprise approach for Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the January transfer window, with manager Michael Carrick confirming that Benjamin Sesko faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to a shin injury.

Sesko, who led the line for United last season, has been ruled out until at least January. Carrick acknowledged on Thursday that the club is still assessing the full extent of the problem. “Unfortunately, Ben looks like he’s going to be out for a period of time,” he said. “We’re still not clear on exactly how long but it’s going to be a longer period of time.”

With Sesko sidelined, United have turned their attention to Calvert-Lewin as a potential solution, according to The Athletic. The 29-year-old England international is in his second season at Elland Road following his free transfer from Everton and has scored five Premier League goals this campaign, including one in Leeds’ 1-1 draw with United earlier this month.

Calvert-Lewin managed 15 goals in his debut season at Leeds, dispelling lingering concerns about his fitness after an injury-plagued final years at Everton. The club are already in discussions over a new contract, with his current deal running until 2028.

Despite the reported interest, a deal is considered unlikely. The clubs share one of English football’s most storied and bitter rivalries, and transfers between them are exceptionally rare. Leeds last sold a player to United in 2004, when Alan Smith moved to Old Trafford for £7 million. The most recent deal in the opposite direction came in 2021, when Leeds paid £25 million plus add-ons for Dan James.

Sesko remains one of only four United players to have scored a Premier League goal this season despite limited game time, underlining how costly his absence could prove as the winter window approaches.