Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim sidestepped queries about Benjamin Sesko's recent performances following Saturday's stalemate with Tottenham Hotspur. Coming on for Matheus Cunha in the 58th minute, Sesko squandered several opportunities to find the net. The Slovenian forward took too long to get his shots away but the moments passed him by and his final opportunity proved costly.
After receiving a pass from Mason Mount, Sesko dithered and within moments Micky van de Ven was upon him, delivering a tackle that not only thwarted his attempt but also brought his afternoon to a premature close. Whilst Spurs launched a counter-attack, Sesko lay motionless on the turf and following treatment from the physios, his substitution became inevitable. Unfortunately for Amorim, having exhausted all five changes, no replacements were available.
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As we head into the international break, the United boss has a crucial decision to make regarding Sesko's fitness. Here are three ways the Red Devils could replace the forward...
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Strikerless option
The most likely choice for Amorim is to opt for a system without a designated striker, similar to the tactics used against Spurs and Liverpool. This strategy suits Cunha perfectly in the 'false nine' role.
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Cunha, formerly of Wolves, has experience playing as a centre-forward, a versatility that Amorim has utilised at United. Despite his hard work on Saturday, the Brazilian's efforts lacked the final touch, leading to Sesko's introduction.
An intriguing aspect will be Amorim's choice for the No 10 roles. We're used to seeing Bryan Mbeumo on the right, Mount on the left, and Amad in the right wing-back position.
However, in north London, United decided to reinstate Noussair Mazraoui as wing-back, pushing Amad further up and shifting Mbeumo to the left. While this didn't diminish Mbeumo's threat in the first half, United's attack was perhaps less potent with the more defensively inclined Mazraoui on the right.
Amorim will need to consider these factors if he decides to use this lineup again.
Zirkzee recall
Joshua Zirkzee is currently languishing on the periphery of Amorim's first-team plans at Old Trafford. Little surprise, then, that he is said to be pushing for a January departure.
Nevertheless, an injury blow to Sesko might offer him the platform to secure the playing time he desperately needs. During the previous campaign, Zirkzee demonstrated his ability to spearhead United's attack when given the chance.
He displayed remarkable resilience to recover from a difficult start with the Old Trafford faithful and develop into a striker supporters were content to see selected ahead of Rasmus Hojlund.
Zirkzee will believe he has an opportunity to establish himself within the squad during Sesko's spell on the sidelines. Everything hinges on whether Amorim is prepared to place his faith in him or not.
Obi opportunity
Ahead of the clash with Spurs, Amorim made his position crystal clear regarding opportunities for United's academy prospects.
"We have that record, we are not going to break that record and Jack [Fletcher] is ready to help us," the Portuguese manager told TNT Sport when questioned about the midfielder's selection.
With Kobbie Mainoo sidelined due to an injury, United were on the brink of breaking an 88-year tradition of always featuring at least one academy graduate in their matchday squad. This didn't occur on Saturday, but could Amorim push this even further?
Last season, amidst United's lacklustre striker performance, Chido Obi was called into action. The young player has been given the opportunity to play with the academy this season, which is naturally the preferred choice at 17 years of age.
However, if there's no appetite to play Zirkzee and the system without a striker isn't delivering results, Obi could be the one to seize the opportunity.