Man United weigh January striker move for Calvert-Lewin as Sesko faces three-month absence

Manchester United are exploring a January transfer for Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Benjamin Sesko’s shin injury threatens to keep the Slovenian striker sidelined until at least the start of 2026, according to The Athletic. The development leaves United without a natural centre-forward for a minimum of three months.

Sesko has not featured since United’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton on 16 September, after reporting discomfort in his shin following the match. The club has since been consulting specialists at Carrington to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, with a comparable decision over rest versus surgery arising now as it did when Sesko suffered a shin injury in the closing weeks of last season.

Manager Michael Carrick offered a cautious update ahead of United’s fixture against Como last week. “We’re hoping soon that we have a clear picture,” Carrick said. “I’m not trying to delay it, hopefully by the end of the week we will have something clearer. There has been some work going on.”

With the January window opening on New Year’s Day, United’s recruitment team are assessing whether a deal for Calvert-Lewin could be structured. The 28-year-old has been on the club’s radar for some time and has made a strong start to life at Elland Road, scoring four goals in eight Premier League appearances this season after joining Leeds on a free transfer from Everton in the summer of 2025 on a three-year contract.

However, the prospects of a transfer are considered slim. Leeds are eager to extend Calvert-Lewin’s deal beyond its 2028 expiry and regard him as a key figure in their top-flight campaign. His importance to the Yorkshire club makes it unlikely they would sanction a mid-season departure, particularly to a direct rival in the same division.