Sesko injury could keep him out until February, forcing Man Utd into January striker search

Manchester United are weighing up a move for a striker in the January transfer window after Benjamin Sesko was ruled out for up to four months, with reports suggesting the Slovenian forward may not return until February.

Sesko has been troubled by a shin problem for the past six months and has missed the last five weeks through a separate injury issue. Manager Michael Carrick confirmed he expects to provide a clearer timeline on the 21-year-old’s return by the end of the week, telling reporters: “We’re hoping really soon that we’ll have a clear picture. I’m not trying to delay it. Hopefully next time we speak. Maybe not tomorrow, but by the end of the week, we’ll have something a little bit clearer. There’s a bit of work going on at the moment, so we’ll see what comes out of that.”

Sesko joined United from RB Leipzig in a high-profile summer move and scored 12 goals last season. This campaign he has managed two goals in six appearances, including a header in the 2-2 draw at Everton and a finish in the 4-0 win over Sabah, before his injury worsened.

The extended absence leaves United with a thin centre-forward pool. Rasmus Hojlund departed for Napoli this summer after a mandatory purchase clause worth £38m was triggered by the Italian club’s Champions League qualification. Joshua Zirkzee, who has described himself as a “number 9.5”, is not considered a conventional striker, while Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have been competing for the same forward positions.

The club’s need for cover has already prompted speculation in the transfer market. United were linked last week with a move for Troy Parrott, the former Tottenham forward currently impressing on loan at Real Betis.

With a significant portion of the season remaining and no natural backup to Sesko available, the January window is shaping up as a critical opportunity for Carrick and United’s recruitment team to address a gap that went unfilled last summer.