Manchester United Faces Injury Woes as Benjamin Sesko Sidelined Again

Manchester United’s stuttering start to the season has been dealt another unwelcome blow, with Benjamin Sesko sidelined again by a nagging shin problem that refuses to go away.

The Slovenian striker was a conspicuous omission from the squad that drew at Fulham on Sunday, having felt discomfort after starting the chaotic 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton in midweek. United chose not to risk him at Craven Cottage, and this isn’t a fresh concern – it’s the same issue that already wrecked a large chunk of his year.

Sesko, 23, spent over two months out with the original injury, missing the final three matches of last season and the whole of United’s pre-season. Just as he was beginning to re-establish himself, the problem has flared up again.

Speaking after the Fulham game, Michael Carrick cut a measured but clearly frustrated figure when pressed on his striker’s condition.

“We're not sure with Ben yet,” he 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 timeframe. No guarantees. Just another key attacker drifting into the grey area of “wait and see”.

Injuries bite into United’s slow start

Sesko’s absence only sharpens the focus on United’s limp opening to the Premier League campaign. The draw at Fulham leaves Carrick’s side with just one win from their first five league matches, a return that already has them chasing the pack.

Sesko has featured six times across all competitions this season, his first appearance coming off the bench against Hull on the opening weekend. United had hoped that gradual reintroduction would build his rhythm and confidence. Instead, the stop-start pattern continues.

There was at least one shaft of light in west London. Luke Shaw returned to the starting XI, a significant boost given his importance on the left side. Record summer signing Carlos Baleba, a £70 million arrival, made the bench for the first time after shaking off an ankle problem.

“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, keen to underline the incremental progress in other areas of his squad.

But the injury list still reads like a nagging problem United cannot quite shake. Matthijs de Ligt travelled with the team to London yet was not fit enough to be involved. Amad Diallo remains on the outside looking in, still waiting for his first appearance of the campaign.

A crucial international break – and more questions

Now comes a three-week international break that might just define United’s next phase of the season. The club’s medical staff finally have breathing space to assess, treat and plan without the relentless churn of matches.

Whether Sesko reports for Slovenia duty remains unclear. The club and country face a delicate decision: push for minutes and risk aggravation, or pull him out and prioritise a full recovery. The same uncertainty hangs over Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, both doubts for England because of ongoing fitness concerns.

When the league restarts, the margin for error shrinks quickly. Tottenham visit Old Trafford on 10 October, a fixture that already carries a sharper edge given United’s sluggish start. Soon after, Carrick’s side fly to Spain for a high-stakes Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, a tie that will test both their depth and their nerve.

By then, United will know whether Sesko is ready to lead the line again – or whether this shin problem becomes the story that shapes his season, and perhaps theirs.