Michael Carrick faces another setback at Manchester United, with Benjamin Sesko expected to remain sidelined until at least January because of an injury.
The 23-year-old has not played for United since the 16 September Carabao Cup defeat by Brighton, when he was substituted in the 66th minute. His absence is now set to extend into the new year, according to the Daily Mail.
Sesko had already missed pre-season because of the same complaint, which also affected him last season. The problem returned against Liverpool in May and ruled him out of United’s final three Premier League matches of the campaign.
At the start of this season, United managed Sesko’s playing time carefully as they attempted to help him regain full fitness. However, that approach appears not to have resolved the issue, leaving Carrick without one of his main attacking options during a difficult run of results.
Right winger Bryan Mbeumo has started each of United’s past five matches in all competitions as the central number nine. Carrick has instead moved away from using Joshua Zirkzee, having apparently lost confidence in the Dutch forward.
Sesko joined Manchester United from RB Leipzig in August 2025 in a deal worth £73.7m. He has made 38 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing one assist.
His injury is expected to rule him out of important Premier League fixtures against Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. He will also miss at least three Champions League matches.
United are currently 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone. That league position has increased the pressure on Carrick, whose side have won only once in eight Premier League rounds this season.
The manager’s position is also under threat amid the team’s poor results since the campaign began. Carrick has faced further tension with United captain Bruno Fernandes, who publicly criticised his manager in front of the media after the 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como.
Sesko’s prolonged absence therefore leaves Carrick having to continue with a reshaped attack while United attempt to move away from danger in the Premier League.
