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The Football Association of Slovenia has stepped in to defuse the explosive club-versus-country dispute that has engulfed Benjamin Sesko. Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek was left seething earlier this week after claiming he had been kept completely in the dark by Manchester United regarding the injured striker's condition and demanded his nation be afforded "maximum respect". Kek had reportedly threatened to spark a 'diplomatic incident' and would have preferred his own medical experts to assess Sesko.

Instead, the forward, who sustained a knee problem during the clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, was evaluated by United's medical team and has remained at Carrington for ongoing treatment rather than joining up with the Slovenia squad. Reports have suggested the injury is not believed to be a serious concern, and despite Kek's accusations, Slovenia's national federation has confirmed it has now obtained all the necessary medical records and endorsed United's assessment in an attempt to defuse the row.

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A spokesperson told the Daily Mail: "The medical team of the Slovenian national football team received the complete medical documentation from Manchester United regarding Benjamin Sesko's health condition following his injury on Saturday, including the current clinical picture and the examinations performed.

"Unfortunately, the injury currently does not allow for the training process. In the coming days, additional examinations and the start of treatment are planned at the club, so Benjamin will unfortunately not be able to participate in this national team action.

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"We wish Benjamin a speedy recovery and a return to the football field as soon as possible."

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United believe they adhered to all the required protocols regarding Sesko's injury before Slovenia withdrew their threat to engage in a club versus country dispute.

Speaking earlier this week, an incensed Kek declared: "With all due respect to a great club like Manchester United, we have officially not received anything yet; no papers, no documents.

"We would certainly like to get them. We want our medical team to also take a look at it. Our doctor is an expert in this field. We don't have just anyone in this position.

"I cannot comment, of course I have certain information and I am also in contact with Beni. I can't say anything because officially we don't know anything at all.

"United haven't contacted anyone from our camp. Of course, I am concerned about the player. The only thing that matters to me is his wellbeing.

"We are prepared to do everything for that and we have never sent anyone on the field if there was the slightest risk."

Sesko was substituted in the 58th minute at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he only managed to play for half an hour before being replaced. The match ended level thanks to Matthijs de Ligt's last-minute equaliser.

Kek further commented: "The national team is something very special and I expect maximum respect from everyone.

"Slovenia deserves that, even if on the other side there is a powerhouse like England, and something as extraordinary as the Premier League.

"After all it has been quite some time since England defeated Slovenia and that in itself says something about us."

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Manchester United may be forced to dip into the transfer market for a new striker in January after Benjamin Sesko sustained a knee injury during Saturday's 2-2 draw against Tottenham.

Sesko was forced off just half an hour into the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, following a tackle from Micky van de Ven that left him clutching his knee. Despite being seen leaving the stadium without the aid of crutches, the 23-year-old appeared to be in considerable pain and was not moving freely.

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On Monday, United confirmed that Sesko would not be joining up with the Slovenia squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden. Instead, the former RB Leipzig forward will remain at Carrington for further assessment this week.

While insiders have suggested that the injury is not believed to be serious, there are whispers that United may need to bolster their attacking options in the January window. One name that has been floated as a potential target is Al-Ahli's Ivan Toney.

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Toney, who spent three seasons in the Premier League with Brentford, scoring an impressive 36 goals in 83 appearances, made the move to Saudi Arabia last summer. Since his switch to the Middle East, the 29-year-old's form has been nothing short of spectacular, with 41 goals in 59 matches.

If United were to swoop for Toney as a replacement for the injured Sesko, he would take up the No.9 role in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation, with current second-choice striker Joshua Zirkzee likely to move on.

Alongside Toney would be his former Brentford colleague Bryan Mbeumo on the right and Matheus Cunha on the left.

Casemiro, who has seen a resurgence since Ruben Amorim reintroduced him into the starting XI towards the end of last season, would slot back into the midfield two alongside skipper Bruno Fernandes.

Amad Diallo would maintain his position as the right-wing back, with Diogo Dalot, who was benched for Saturday's 2-2 stalemate against Tottenham, returning in place of Patrick Dorgu as the left-wing back.

In terms of the back three, Amorim has stuck with a consistent central defensive trio in recent matches, featuring Harry Maguire as the central centre-back, Matthijs de Ligt as the right centre-back and Luke Shaw as the left centre-back.

The choice of goalkeeper is then straightforward, with Senne Lammens serving as the No.1. The Belgian has been impressive since taking over from Altay Bayindir for United's victory over Sunderland last month.

Man United starting XI with Sesko replacement: Lammens; De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Toney.

Manchester United may be forced to delve into the January transfer market for a new striker after Benjamin Sesko sustained a knee injury in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham. Sesko, who was brought on as a substitute in the 58th minute, could only manage half an hour before being escorted off the pitch following treatment for a knee issue.

The Red Devils were left with 10 men on the field as Ruben Amorim had already exhausted all his substitutions. On Monday, United confirmed that Sesko would not be joining Slovenia for international duty ahead of their two World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden. Instead, the 23-year-old will stay at Carrington for further assessment this week.

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Although the injury is not thought to be severe, there are whispers that United might consider another No. 9 when the January transfer window swings open.

Should the Reds decide to scout for a striker, one potential candidate is Ivan Toney. The England international has been consistently linked with a move to Old Trafford, and this could be the ideal moment for him to don the United jersey.

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Toney, 29, has been plying his trade in Saudi Arabia for the past 15 months after signing for Al-Ahli in August 2024. During his stint in the Middle East, he has netted 41 goals and provided eight assists in 59 appearances.

Toney, who has scored 11 goals in 15 matches this season, seems to have some unfinished business in the Premier League. He previously dazzled for three years in the top flight at Brentford.

The former Northampton and Peterborough player netted 36 goals in 83 top-tier games for the Bees between 2021 and 2024. He was a key figure in a Brentford attack that also included United forward Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo and Toney were team-mates at the Gtech Community Stadium for four years and both played pivotal roles in establishing the Bees as a Premier League club. They formed a formidable partnership at the top of the pitch, with Toney and Mbeumo scoring or assisting each other 16 times during that period.

Although Mbeumo is set to miss at least part of January due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), he could reignite his special bond with Toney at United upon his return. Even if Sesko's absence is not long-term, Toney would provide United with another dimension and option in attack, and also allow Joshua Zirkzee to depart 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 a game-changer for United and Amorim during the second half of the season.

Toney is valued at around £40million and has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Al-Ahli contract. With the forward turning 30 in March, United could attempt to negotiate the price down and persuade him to make the move.

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.

Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek has vented his frustration over Manchester United's apparent lack of communication regarding Benjamin Sesko's knee injury. The 22-year-old was forced to withdraw during United's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur and will not be joining his national team of Slovenia for international duty.

Slovenia are set to face Kosovo and Sweden in their final two World Cup qualification matches, but they will have to do so without Sesko. Kek has claimed that he is still uncertain about the specifics of Sesko's injury. In a statement carried by Epika, the national team's head coach said: "With all due respect to a big club like Manchester United.

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"We haven't officially received anything yet, no paper, no document. We would definitely like to receive it, we also want the player to be examined by our medical service.

"Our doctor is an expert in this field, we don't have anyone in this position. I can't comment, of course I have certain information, I'm also in contact with Beni.

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"But I can't say anything because officially we know absolutely nothing, United hasn't contacted anyone from our camp. Of course I'm worried about the player, the only thing I'm interested in is his well-being, we're ready to do everything for that and we've never sent anyone onto the field if there was the slightest risk.

"But the national team is something very special and I expect maximum respect from everyone. Slovenia deserves that, even if there's a superpower like England on the other side, and something as exceptional as the Premier League."

Sesko was seen hobbling off the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, sparking concerns about his fitness. When quizzed about Sesko's condition during a press conference, Ruben Amorim said: "We have to check. He had something in his knee, let's see."

When probed further about the severity of the injury, Amorim confessed: "I have no idea. Because it's the knee, we never know."

According to the Manchester Evening News, Sesko will undergo further assessment at Carrington this week, but insiders suggest that his injury is not believed to be serious.

Gary Lineker has thrown his support for a change in rules after Richarlison was shown a yellow card for celebrating his goal for Tottenham against Manchester United by removing his shirt. The Brazilian's goal appeared to secure Spurs' fourth Premier League home victory in 2025, only for Matthijs de Ligt to score a dramatic equaliser at the last moment.

Earlier, Mathys Tel had levelled the score after Bryan Mbeumo's opening header. However, Richarlison received a booking for taking off his shirt in celebration. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker expressed his views that, despite it being an imprudent act by the ex-Everton player, it's high time the rules were revised.

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He said: "Richarlison thought he'd won the game for Tottenham, didn't he, ripping off his shirt, and then obviously they get extra time for that, and then they're scoring that extra time."

"I think it's a stupid law to get a yellow card, and obviously, if it happens in injury time, you get extended injury time. But also, even though it's a silly law, you know what it is, and I just don't understand why.

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"I know you can get overexcited, but you can get overexcited by doing something else other than rip your bloody shirt off.

"It's a bit daft, but I get it. It's a big goal for him, and he thought at the time he'd won the game. But I mean, honestly, footballers, Micah."

Micah Richards added: "You know what? I can't even grumble at the fact that he's taking off his shirt, because he's playing it in real life. I feel that way on Fantasy Football, so I understand you."

Reflecting on United's last-minute equaliser, Spurs boss Thomas Frank remarked: "A lot of things we could have done a bit better, the last one is all about the urgency, maybe don't give the cross away and defend better.

"Second half, we got more bite in the man-to-man pressure, which was not working as it should have been in the first half."

He continued: "Of course it's not that I'm going away from here and not being disappointed at leading with one minute to go and you don't win, that will always be the case.

"What I'm focussing on is especially that the second half was a good performance. I was very happy with the way we turned it around.

"We stayed in the game, did the right thing, keep pushing - in a game when two teams neutralise each other you don't create too much, that's natural, but how the boys kept fighting was hugely impressive."

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko was spotted hobbling away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a worrying clip following Saturday's draw in north London. The forward picked up a knock during the clash with Spurs and was forced off in the 85th minute after entering the fray just before the hour mark.

Sesko's fitness concern has now turned United's attention to the January transfer market, with the Red Devils potentially requiring fresh attacking reinforcements should he face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The situation becomes even more pressing for United manager Ruben Amorim, who will also be without Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui when they jet off for the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

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Speaking after Saturday's game, Amorim confirmed the injury affected Sesko's knee, saying: "We have to check. He had something in his knee, let's see.

"I have no idea. Because it's the knee, we never know. I'm more concerned with an injury because it's in the knee and I don't know. We need Ben to be a better team."

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Social media clips have since surfaced showing the 22-year-old limping away from the ground on Saturday evening.

In the aftermath of the draw, Slovenian media outlets reported that early signs appeared positive.

Sportklub say the striker has undergone his initial medical examination regarding his knee problem and it has produced an 'encouraging' outcome.

The outlet suggests that preliminary indicators look favourable, though an MRI scan is planned to provide a more comprehensive evaluation.

There are now concerns over whether he will be ready for United's next game after the international break, a home fixture against Everton.

Sesko has scored twice for United since his big-money move from RB Leipzig in the summer. He was on the radar of Champions League side Newcastle but opted for a move to Old Trafford instead.

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.

Alan Shearer has criticised Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko for his lacklustre performance against Tottenham, claiming he had "no clue". After a 2-2 draw in London, with Ruben Amorim's side squandering a 1-0 lead but rescuing a late point, the former Newcastle and England striker singled out Sesko for criticism on the BBC.

Bryan Mbeumo gave United an early advantage on Saturday, but it wasn't until the 84th minute that Spurs managed to equalise through Mathys Tel. Richarlison seemed to have clinched victory for the hosts in extra time, only for Matthijs de Ligt to snatch a last-minute equaliser.

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Despite some commendable performances from the United team, Shearer was unimpressed with the Slovenian centre-forward. Sesko was left out of Amorim's starting line-up in north London, but was introduced in the 58th minute. However, he failed to make a significant impact.

The 22-year-old Slovenian, who joined Old Trafford for a hefty £74million this summer, missed a golden opportunity in the 85th minute before being forced off with a knee injury.

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Shearer felt that the United No.9 should have capitalised on one of the two excellent opportunities that came his way. "Sesko struggled again," he said on Match of the Day. "He's only scored twice in his 12 appearances and he came on today with just over half an hour to go.

"He had two really, really good chances and should have scored, to be honest. They worked it really well for him to get in the first time. He's either got to get his shot away early or he's got to push that ball forward quicker. He's not going to get that amount of time in the Premier League to work it back on his right foot."

Shearer then turned his attention to the glorious opportunity Sesko squandered moments before his injury, when Tottenham's Micky van de Ven recovered to make a crucial tackle.

"This one [the 85th-minute chance] is the bigger puzzle for me," Shearer went on. "I know he's struggling for confidence but any centre-forward knows you cannot allow the centre-half to come back at you.

"You've got to get across Van de Ven. By that time he should have a picture in his head of where the keeper is and what he wants to do. I don't think he has a clue what he wants to do because I don't even think he even knows Van de Ven is there and chasing him. I know he's struggling with confidence but it's a big 'must do better'.

"No one likes to see him coming off injured and we hope his knee is okay but they are two chances you'd expect at that level that someone has to put away."

Bryan Mbeumo has urged his Manchester United team-mates to maintain their fighting spirit after salvaging a draw against Tottenham on Saturday - and says he told them to "stay in the game" at 2-1 down. United were initially ahead at half-time courtesy of Mbeumo's clever header, but for the second occasion in eight days they surrendered a one-goal advantage and found themselves trailing 2-1 as the match entered its final stages.

Just as they managed at Nottingham Forest the previous week, United rescued a point through Matthijs de Ligt's late header, ensuring they returned from the capital with something to show for their efforts. Mbeumo's first-half strike means the forward has now netted four times in his last four appearances for United, and he shared his thoughts on the result following the final whistle.

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"It was a big drama but in the end we managed to come back late in the game and if we can't win, don't lose. We knew it was going to be hard in the second half, they were going to push," Mbeumo told TNT Sports.

"But before the first goal we conceded, we played a very good game. Very solid, but we still have to work on the goals we concede.

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"I tried to talk to the guys and tell them to stay in the game. It was five minutes to go, we know anything can happen and I think we all have a very strong mentality now to come back and that's what we have done. It builds confidence when we don't lose."

Mbeumo added: "It is always easier inside the pitch, outside the pitch, on the training ground so everyone is enjoying it a lot and we are going to try and build this as long as possible.

"Obviously it (United) is a lovely place to play, to develop, and I have got great team-mates who are helping me and I think everybody is working really hard and it makes the job for everybody easier."

The stalemate with Spurs leaves United on a five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League. Following the November international break, they face Everton at home, before heading to Crystal Palace and then hosting West Ham.