An injury concern for Benjamin Sesko has left Manchester United facing a potential striker crisis in the coming weeks. The summer signing came on as a substitute during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham, only to be forced off late in the dramatic stalemate after sustaining a knee problem that reduced the Red Devils to 10 men.
The severity of the Slovenian international's complaint remains uncertain, but United could be confronted with a significant decision and he has pulled out of Slovenia's squad for the upcoming international break. Sesko represents the squad's sole recognised centre-forward. Ruben Amorim opted to deploy an attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad from the outset, having previously experimented with Mason Mount in a central striking role. Mbeumo, the club's leading marksman, is poised to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations shortly, potentially leaving the Portuguese manager with limited attacking resources.
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The 40-year-old head coach has acknowledged that reinforcements during the January transfer window are being considered. "We have to check everything, we have to check what has happened with Ben," Amorim said.
"Of course, we are going to have a problem there [with AFCON], but we already knew. Then you can prepare that in the summer, but then you have a lot of players in the summer who are not going to play because it's one game per week. So the management of that situation is going to be hard.
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"But let's see when the window is open, if we can improve the team and try to prepare something that happened. Until then, we have to take the chance."
Should United enter the transfer market in January, which targets might they pursue?
Express Sport examines the possibilities...
Dusan Vlahovic
The Serbian striker is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, with football giants such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Tottenham reportedly eyeing up the opportunity to sign him, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Manchester United have previously shown interest in the 25-year-old, and making an early move could see them outmanoeuvre their rivals for his signature.
Vlahovic is currently playing for Juventus, who are having a tough season, and has netted six goals in 15 matches. The Italian club may be keen to secure a fee but would be losing a key player from their starting line-up.
Vitor Roque
Manchester United have been described as 'most interested' in securing Vitor Roque's signature, ahead of several other potential suitors. It's reported that the forward's team are expecting bids worth £38million in the January transfer window as clubs circle for the Palmeiras striker.
The forward has scored 13 goals in 28 games since returning to the Brazilian side from Barcelona. Roque, 20, cost around £22m earlier last year, making him the most expensive player in South American football history.
Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins hasn't had a season that would typically ignite transfer rumours. The forward was left out of the most recent England squad, having scored just one goal in 11 Premier League appearances.
United have shown interest before and Villa have seemed open to letting their striker go in the past. Price has been an issue previously, but perhaps Watkins' form could give the Red Devils an edge.
The Midlands team are reportedly on the hunt for a new 'top-class' striker, and Watkins could meet United's preference for Premier League experience if they're prepared to dig deep into their pockets again.
Endrick
Real Madrid's 19-year-old forward Endrick appears set for a January transfer. The Brazilian is rumoured to be heading to Lyon in the winter window, with their Portuguese manager providing a linguistic advantage.
While United aren't on the brink of a move, Amorim could offer similar assistance in acclimatisation. This would enable United to take advantage of a loan that might be more suitable for their current circumstances.