Benjamin Sesko is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury during Manchester United's trip to Tottenham on Saturday
Manchester United might need to dip into the January transfer market to look for a new centre forward after Benjamin Sesko suffered a knee injury in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Tottenham.
Sesko was introduced from the bench in the 58th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he lasted just half an hour and was forced off the pitch after receiving treatment for a knee problem. United had to finish the game with 10 men because Ruben Amorim had used all of his substitutions.
United confirmed on Monday that Sesko will not report for international duty ahead of Slovenia's two World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo this Saturday and Sweden next Tuesday. The 23-year-old will instead remain at Carrington and continue to be assessed this week.
While sources have indicated that the injury is not thought to be a major issue, there is talk that United could venture into the market for another No.9 when the January transfer window opens.
If the Reds decide to look for a striker, one option that should be considered is Ivan Toney. The England international has been long linked with a move to Old Trafford but this could be the perfect time for him to join United.
Toney, 29, has spent the last 15 months out in Saudi Araba after joining Al-Ahli in August 2024. During his time in the Middle East, he has scored 41 goals and provided eight assists in 59 appearances.
With Toney netting 11 of those in 15 matches this season, it does feel as though he has some unfinished business in the Premier League, having previously shone for three years in the top flight at Brentford.
The ex-Northampton and Peterborough man bagged 36 goals in 83 top-tier games for the Bees between 2021 and 2024. He starred in a Brentford attack that also contained United forward Bryan Mbeumo.
Mbeumo and Toney were teammates at the Gtech Community Stadium for four years and both helped establish the Bees as a Premier League club. They formed a dangerous partnership at the top end of the pitch, with Toney and Mbeumo scoring or assisting each other 16 times in that period.
Although Mbeumo is set to miss at least part of January due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), he could rekindle his special relationship with Toney at United when he returns. Even if Sesko's absence is not long-term, Toney would give United another dimension and option in attack, and also allow Joshua Zirkzee to leave the club after struggling for game time.
A front three of Mbeumo on the right, Toney through the middle and Matheus Cunha on the left could be devastating for United and Amorim during the second half of the season.
Toney is valued at around £40million and has two-and-a-half years left on his Al-Ahli contract. With the forward turning 30 in March, United could attempt to bring the price down and convince him to move.
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