Manchester United Faces Strain Without Benjamin Sesko
Manchester United arrived at Craven Cottage on Sunday with one conspicuous omission. No Benjamin Sesko. Not even on the bench.
The Slovenian striker, who started the chaotic 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton in midweek, was left out of the squad after feeling discomfort in the aftermath of that game. The problem is a familiar one – the same shin issue that already cost the 23-year-old more than two months of football this year.
That first bout ruled him out of United’s final three matches of last season and wiped out his entire pre-season. Just as he was beginning to re-establish rhythm, the same injury has come back to haunt him.
Carrick offers no timeline
Speaking after the draw with Fulham, Michael Carrick cut a measured but clearly frustrated figure when pressed on Sesko’s condition. The manager admitted United simply do not yet know how long they will be without their No 9.
“We're not sure with Ben yet,” Carrick said. “He felt a bit of pain after the game [against Brighton] so we're assessing him. At the moment, he definitely wasn't ready for [Fulham], so I haven't really got any more news to give you at this point. We'll have to see what that brings.”
No promises. No return date. Just another question mark over a player United had hoped would spearhead their attack through a demanding autumn.
Sesko has featured six times across all competitions this season, his first appearance coming as a substitute away at Hull on the opening weekend. His minutes have been managed carefully. The injury has ignored the script.
A stuttering start
His absence comes at a delicate moment. United’s draw at Fulham means they have taken only one win from their opening five Premier League matches. Performances have been patchy, goals hard-earned, and the margin for error already shrinking.
A fully fit Sesko was supposed to help change that. Instead, Carrick is left juggling options and hoping the damage is not long-term.
Shaw back, Baleba steps in – sort of
There were at least some reasons for optimism at Craven Cottage.
Luke Shaw returned to the starting XI, a welcome sight after his own spell on the sidelines. His presence instantly gives United more balance and authority down the left, something they have badly missed.
On the bench, £70 million summer signing Carlos Baleba was included in a matchday squad for the first time since his ankle problem. He did not start, but simply having him involved felt like a small step forward.
“Luke coming back is good for the squad,” Carrick said before kick-off. “And having Carlos in the group for the first time... is important today.”
United, stretched and stuttering, will take any incremental win they can get.
Injuries pile up
The positives stopped there.
Matthijs de Ligt travelled with the squad to London yet was still not fit enough for selection. The Dutch defender’s ongoing issues leave United short of their first-choice options at the back at a time when defensive stability is already fragile.
Amad Diallo, meanwhile, continues to watch on from the sidelines. The winger is still waiting for his first appearance of the campaign, another attacking option lost to Carrick as he tries to inject pace and unpredictability into a blunt front line.
International break brings questions, not calm
Now comes a three-week international break that might offer rest, but not necessarily clarity.
United’s medical staff finally have breathing space to assess the full extent of the squad’s problems. The key unknown is Sesko. It is still unclear whether he will withdraw from Slovenia duty, with the club and country both weighing risk against reward.
There is concern elsewhere too. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are doubts for England because of ongoing fitness issues. For Carrick, the prospect of key players flying off around the world while carrying knocks is hardly a comforting one.
What waits on the other side
When the Premier League returns, there is no gentle reintroduction.
United host Tottenham at Old Trafford on October 10, a fixture that already feels loaded given their sluggish start. Immediately after that, they head to Spain for a high-stakes Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, a tie that will demand intensity, resilience and, crucially, depth.
By then, the picture around Sesko must be clearer. United cannot afford for this to drift into another extended absence that shapes their season before it has properly begun.
