Man Utd target Calvert-Lewin in January as Sesko injury deepens striker crisis

Manchester United are weighing up a January move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with recruitment staff working to establish whether a deal for the Leeds United striker is feasible when the transfer window opens in two months, according to The Athletic.

The interest comes as United’s attacking options have been stretched thin. First-choice centre forward Benjamin Sesko has managed just one Premier League goal this season and three in the competition since mid-March. The Slovenian, who joined from RB Leipzig in a £70 million deal last year, is also sidelined by a shin injury until the New Year, leaving manager Michael Carrick to deploy Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha as makeshift strikers.

Calvert-Lewin, 29, has been on United’s radar for some time and has shown a return to form since joining Leeds in 2025. He scored 14 goals in 35 league appearances during the 2025/26 campaign and has already netted four times this season, including one against United earlier this month. That tally stands in sharp contrast to Sesko’s output and underlines why the club’s recruitment team are taking a closer look.

Harry Maguire has spoken positively about Calvert-Lewin in the past. Ahead of a match against Everton in 2021, the former United captain told team-mates: “I know Dom from our time with England and he’s very physical and a handful. We’ll need to be right on our game to keep him quiet.” Calvert-Lewin scored 16 Premier League goals that season, the best return of his career.

Any deal would carry significant political weight. The historic rivalry between Leeds and Manchester United means transfers between the two clubs have always been contentious, with Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith among those who made the crossing and faced fierce backlash from supporters on both sides.

Calvert-Lewin is not the only name under consideration. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Igor Matanovic and Victor Osimhen are also reportedly on United’s shortlist, while Marcus Rashford has been discussed as a potential option despite predominantly operating on the left wing. Leeds currently sit nine places and four points above United in the Premier League table, adding further edge to any potential negotiation.