Benjamin Sesko Shin Setback Leaves Man Utd Short of a Specialist Striker
Benjamin Sesko has suffered a fresh setback with his shin problem, leaving Manchester United without their main specialist centre-forward as the international break begins. The Slovenia striker missed the whole pre-season and is not expected to offer an immediate solution when domestic football returns.
Sesko absence forces United rethink
Michael Carrick has used Matheus Cunha through the middle in each of United’s opening five Premier League matches, with the £62 million arrival from Wolves moved away from his usual left-sided role.
Marcus Rashford has taken over on the left, allowing Cunha to operate as the central attacker. But the arrangement has drawn criticism, with concerns that Cunha is being denied the chance to receive possession facing goal and run directly at defenders.
- Sesko missed United’s pre-season programme because of a shin injury.
- The issue has returned, prolonging the club’s shortage of recognised No.9 options.
- Cunha has started centrally for the first five league games.
- Rashford has been deployed wide on the left during that spell.
- Joshua Zirkzee remains available, although his role has been uncertain.
Butt and Rooney question Cunha plan
Nicky Butt believes Cunha’s output is suffering in the striker’s role. The former United midfielder said using the Brazilian as a No.9 “kills him”, arguing that he is far more effective when he starts from the flank.
Butt also pointed to United’s lack of alternatives, with Sesko unavailable and Zirkzee yet to convince as the answer up front. He said the Dutchman has repeatedly appeared to be heading out before remaining at the club, and added that his substitute appearances have not shown the level required of a United centre-forward.
Wayne Rooney has made the same case for Cunha’s return to the left. United’s record goalscorer said the forward’s strongest quality is his ability to carry the ball, something better suited to a wide starting position than receiving with his back to goal in central areas.
Rooney said he would have changed the set-up weeks ago and, with no fit specialist striker, would prefer Rashford in the middle ahead of Cunha.
Zirkzee chance could now arrive
Rooney believes Zirkzee has enough technical quality to start, but said the forward must simplify his game. He criticised the flicks that have frustrated supporters and said his instruction would be clear: link play with the midfield and wide players, rather than attempting unnecessary flair.
Carrick now has a major call to make before United’s next run of fixtures. He can keep Cunha as the central option, shift Rashford inside and restore Cunha to the wing, or put his faith in Zirkzee as Sesko continues his recovery.
What happens next
The international break gives Carrick time to assess his depleted attack, but Sesko’s recurrence means a quick return cannot be expected. United’s next team selection will bring intense scrutiny, particularly if Cunha remains in a role that former players believe is blunting his biggest strengths.
