Sesko sidelined until January as United weigh Calvert-Lewin move to fill striker void

Manchester United face a significant striker crisis after confirming that Benjamin Sesko will be unavailable until at least January, with the club now consulting specialists to determine the best treatment plan for the Slovenian forward’s recurring shin problem.

Sesko has not played since United’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton on 16 September, having reported pain in his shin following that match. The club has been assessing his condition at Carrington ever since, and the outcome leaves United without a recognised centre-forward for the next three months at minimum.

The injury compounds an already difficult picture for Sesko. He missed the final three games of last season with a shin complaint, then sat out the entirety of pre-season as he continued his rehabilitation. When the problem first arose last term, United chose rest over surgery — a similar decision is now being weighed for this recurrence.

Manager Michael Carrick addressed the situation ahead of last week’s match against Como, offering cautious optimism. “We’re hoping soon that we have a clear picture,” he 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 transfer window opening on New Year’s Day, United’s recruitment team are reportedly exploring potential reinforcements. According to The Athletic, Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is among the names being considered, having previously been on the club’s radar.

However, any deal is considered unlikely. Calvert-Lewin only joined Leeds on a free transfer from Everton in the summer of 2025, signing a three-year contract through to 2028, and has made a strong start to life at Elland Road — scoring four goals in eight Premier League appearances this season. Leeds are understood to be keen on tying him down to a new long-term deal rather than entertaining a sale.