Manchester United find themselves in a quandary regarding the acquisition of a new striker in the upcoming January transfer window, following an unfortunate injury to Benjamin Sesko just prior to the international break.
Over the summer, bolstering the forward line was prioritised, as Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managed a combined total of just seven Premier League goals in the previous season. Despite being linked with a myriad of potential options such as Viktor Gyokeres and Liam Delap, United secured the services of Sesko for a hefty £74 million.
Though Sesko has contributed to three goals across eleven appearances in the Premier League this season, he has seemingly struggled to hit top form, marking him out as the least impactful of United’s high-profile summer acquisitions. Ruben Amorim, United’s manager, has been patient with the Slovenian, incorporating him gradually into the squad. Yet, local pundits, including Gary Neville, have been quick to voice their scepticism.
The Red Devils faced another setback when Sesko sustained a knee injury during United’s stalemate with Tottenham Hotspur just before the international games. Although the precise extent of the injury remains unclear, the expectation is that the forward could be sidelined for a few weeks. Consequently, speculation has aroused that Manchester United may explore signing another striker come January. However, Dean Jones’s piece for TEAMtalk reports that the club is ‘torn over’ this decision. The management doesn’t want to obstruct Sesko’s path to becoming a leading Premier League No.9, though this stance may shift should Zirkzee depart.
The article goes on to express that the club’s leadership is intent on ensuring Sesko’s success story at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, discussions surrounding Casemiro’s future at the club have emerged, as the Brazilian is in the final year of his existing contract. Although there is an option to extend his deal until 2027, United’s board remains reluctant given his wages exceed £300,000 weekly. Reports from Caught Offside indicate that Casemiro’s future at the club hinges upon his wage demands.
Ruben Amorim, United’s manager, considers Casemiro ‘crucial’ for squad structure and his cerebral presence in pressure situations. Yet, the resolution might slip beyond Amorim’s influence, as the club evaluates their financial commitments.
As Manchester United navigates the intricacies of squad management and transfer market dynamics, the outcomes in these cases will reveal much about the club’s strategies and priorities moving forward.
Read more on Casemiro’s future: