Benjamin Sesko injury leaves Manchester United short of attacking options

Benjamin Sesko’s latest injury setback has prompted criticism from Manchester United greats Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, who questioned the club’s decision not to sign another striker during the summer transfer window.

Sesko joined Manchester United from RB Leipzig for £74m in the summer of 2025 but missed the whole of pre-season after carrying a leg problem from the previous campaign.

The Slovenia striker’s injury was sustained after he was kicked in the leg during United’s victory over Liverpool in May. He started in the Champions League against Sabah and in the Carabao Cup defeat by Brighton this season, but was used as a substitute in the club’s first four league matches.

Sesko was left out of the squad entirely for Sunday’s trip to Fulham. He did not travel to London for the 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, while manager Michael Carrick was unable to provide a clearer assessment of the seriousness of the injury.

The 22-year-old will undergo tests this week before Manchester United decide on a treatment plan. His setback represents another problem during what has been a disastrous start to the campaign.

United chose not to recruit another recognised striker in the summer. Joshua Zirkzee, who has scored nine goals in 77 appearances, was therefore the club’s only remaining option in that position.

Scholes and Butt question United’s squad depth

Speaking on the latest episode of The Good, The Bad and Football, Butt expressed regret that Manchester United had not strengthened their attack before the discussion turned to Sesko’s injury.

Scholes joked that the striker should “wear shin pads”, while Butt insisted: “Either you break your leg or you play.”

Butt, as quoted by the English newspaper Metro, said: “The back four is a massive problem, but for me the biggest problem is the number nine. How can Manchester United have only one striker? Who is injured, and what is the injury? Is it a leg injury?”

Scholes replied: “How do you injure your leg? Isn’t that a broken leg? Can’t you just wear shin pads?”

Butt added: “Either you break your leg, or you play. Wear shin pads or padding, I don’t really understand it. It is difficult to discuss without knowing what it is.”

Sesko’s absence leaves Manchester United with limited options in attack as the club waits for the results of his medical examinations and a clearer indication of how long he may be unavailable.