Sesko Injury Deepens Manchester United's Early-Season Frustration
Manchester United arrived at Craven Cottage on Sunday with a notable name missing from the teamsheet. No Ben 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 worrying one for United: a recurrence of the shin injury that already wrecked the back end of his last campaign.
That issue had sidelined the 23-year-old for more than two months, ruling him out of United’s final three matches of last season and wiping out his entire pre-season. Now it has flared again, just as he was trying to build rhythm.
Carrick offers no timeline
Speaking after the draw with Fulham, Michael Carrick cut a cautious figure when asked about his No 9.
“We’re not sure with Ben yet,” the United manager 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 return date. No guarantees. Just another question mark for a side already searching for stability.
Sesko has managed six appearances in all competitions this season, having eased his way back with a substitute outing against Hull on the opening weekend. For a team short on goals and confidence, losing their main central striker again could hardly be worse timed.
United’s 1-1 draw at Fulham leaves them with just one win from their opening five Premier League fixtures. The margins are already tightening, and now their forward line is thinning too.
A mixed medical bulletin
It was not all bad news for Carrick at Craven Cottage.
Luke Shaw returned to the starting XI, a significant boost given United’s ongoing defensive issues. Big-money summer signing Carlos Baleba, a £70 million arrival, was named in a matchday squad for the first time after overcoming an ankle problem. He stayed on the bench, but simply having him involved felt like a step forward.
“Luke coming back is good for the squad. And having Carlos in the group for the first time... is important today,” Carrick said before kick-off, underlining how desperate United have been for reinforcements.
Yet the injury list still looms large. Matthijs de Ligt travelled with the group to London but was not fit enough to be considered for selection. Amad Diallo, meanwhile, continues to wait for his first appearance of the season.
The pattern is familiar: one player returns, another drops out. United shuffle, rather than stride.
International break brings questions, not clarity
Now comes a three-week international break. For United’s medical staff, it is a precious window. For Carrick, it is a period of anxiety.
It remains unclear whether Sesko will stay with the club’s doctors or link up with Slovenia, with the recurrence of his shin problem likely to be closely monitored by both camps. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also doubts for England duty, each carrying fitness concerns that complicate Gareth Southgate’s plans as much as Carrick’s.
United will hope the pause allows bodies to heal and minds to reset. The calendar, though, offers no sympathy once domestic football restarts.
On October 10, Tottenham visit Old Trafford in what already feels like a measuring-stick fixture. Then comes a trip to Spain and a high-stakes Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid, a test of nerve and depth in one of Europe’s most hostile arenas.
By then, United will need answers. Not just about form and tactics, but about who is actually fit to fight.
