Daily Express

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.

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United were on the brink of defeat after squandering a 1-0 lead against Tottenham, but managed to claw back a 2-2 draw in the 96th minute a thrilling encounter. Yet they lost both Harry Maguire and Benjamin Sesko to injury in the second half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The injury to Maguire with 18 minutes to go proved to be a turning point for the Red Devils, as they struggled to maintain their defensive solidity following his withdrawal due to a suspected hamstring issue. And substitute Sesko was later forced off to temporarily leave United down to 10 men, though Matthijs de Ligt still rescued a late draw for Amorim and co.

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Bryan Mbeumo broke the deadlock for United in the first half, with the visitors dominating much of the proceedings. However, Mathys Tel levelled the scoreline for Spurs after Maguire's departure, and Richarlison seemed to have sealed a last-minute victory. But United had other plans.

In an extraordinary turn of events, goalkeeper Senne Lammens joined the attack for a United corner in the 95th minute, allowing defender De Ligt to head home an equaliser at the far post, triggering wild celebrations among the travelling fans and silencing the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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United began the match impressively, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating play and delivering a pass to Mbeumo, who laid it across the advancing Guglielmo Vicario, though no team-mate was on hand to finish. The hosts' finest opening of the opening period fell to Richarlison, whose header lacked conviction following promising build-up play from Brennan Johnson.

However, Tottenham were punished for a defensive lapse in the 32nd minute when October's Premier League Player of the Month, Mbeumo, found the net once more. After Spurs repeatedly failed to clear the danger, a magnificent delivery from Amad Diallo located the Cameroon international, who finished clinically with a well-controlled header.

Premier League pundit and former Spurs striker Jermaine Defoe commented: "You have to stop the cross if you are Spurs. Man Utd keep it alive well, it's poor marking but it's such a controlled header."

Mbeumo, who has now netted five Premier League goals against Tottenham - equalling his highest tally versus any single opponent - remained influential after the interval, though another United colleague delivered a crucial moment when it mattered most.

Ten minutes into the second period, Tottenham's Wilson Odobert delivered a dangerous cross into the six-yard area, where defender Cristian Romero, having pushed forward, found himself with his back to goal and attempted an audacious backheel. United's summer signing Lammens produced an outstanding reflex save with his leg to deny him.

The goalkeeper was tested once more shortly after, producing a fine stop to deny Joao Palhinha, demonstrating precisely why Amorim was so determined to bring in the young Belgian to succeed Andre Onana.

Johnson believed he had drawn level just past the hour, but he was clearly offside when collecting Richarlison's pass before slotting beyond Lammens into the bottom corner. When Maguire made way for Leny Yoro in the 72nd minute, United's defensive solidity departed with him. Barely 10 minutes later, Spurs had their equaliser through a superb turn and finish from Tel.

Destiny Udogie delivered a low pass to him just inside the penalty area, and his excellent first touch set up a fierce strike high into the net. Matters deteriorated further for the visitors when Sesko also sustained an injury late on and was forced off, leaving United to complete the match with 10 men.

In the 91st minute, a Spurs corner dropped to Wilson Odobert outside the area, and his effort was diverted past Lammens by Richarlison, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance.

However, the drama continued as De Ligt rose highest to nod home from four yards out as the match entered its 96th minute.

Given they were down to 10 men at that stage, enormous praise must go to United for displaying such resilience and determination to claim a point from the encounter.

Manchester United were denied a chance to move up to second in the Premier League table but continued their unbeaten streak in dramatic style in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham. United had led 1-0 as late as the 83rd minute but not long after looked poised to lose 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium due to late Spurs goals from Mathys Tel and Richarlison until Matthijs de Ligt denied the hosts victory.

Bryan Mbeumo's close-range header punished poor Spurs defending to put the Red Devils in front after 32 minutes. But Spurs substitute Tel produced a fine touch and finish in the 84th minute and then Richarlison headed in a minute into stoppage time to spark raucous scenes. Yet despite going down to 10 men due to injury, United produced a brilliant response with centre-back De Ligt saving a point in the 96th minute. Express Sport rates and slates the United players as they drew in the capital...

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Man Utd player ratings vs Tottenham

Senne Lammens - 8

Recovered from early error and made brilliant saves to deny Sergio Romero and Joao Palhinha in the second half. Could do nothing about the goals.

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Matthijs de Ligt - 7

Defended his box well until he got done by Mathys Tel, whose shot deflected off the Dutchman and in. Made amends with a towering stoppage-time header to make it 2-2.

Harry Maguire - 7

A solid return to the team was ended prematurely by a hamstring injury that saw him limp off with 18 minutes to go.

Luke Shaw - 6

Bailed out by Lammens after Romero got into a goalscoring position but still a good performance overall. Helped make space for De Ligt to score from a corner at the death.

Noussair Mazraoui - 6

A solid enough 58-minute outing on his return to the starting XI.

Casemiro - 7

Another match where the Brazilian led by example in the middle, breaking up play multiple times before being replaced.

Bruno Fernandes - 5

Helped win the ball in the lead-up to the opening goal with his pressing but well below his level generally, regularly getting caught on the ball. Had a good chance to make it 2-0 that he fired over the bar. Comes away with an assist for the corner at the end.

Patrick Dorgu - 5

Defended fairly well against Brennan Johnson but sorely needs to improve his end product going forward. His crosses are so wasteful. Booked.

Amad Diallo - 7

Moved out of the right wing-back role and supplied a clever floated cross for the Mbeumo header and some great passes. Might have done more to stop the cross for the Spurs equaliser but still one of United's best.

Matheus Cunha - 5

Played centrally over Benjamin Sesko but really struggled. Held on to the ball too long and then lost possession far too many times.

Bryan Mbeumo - 7

Deployed out of his natural position on the left wing but scored a controlled header for his sixth goal in a United shirt and produced some really intelligent touches and contributions. Just a very good footballer.

Substitutes

Benjamin Sesko (Mazraoui 58) - 5

Should have done better with a late chance but allowed Micky van de Ven to get back. Picked up a knock in the same moment that forced him off and left United down to 10 men.

Mason Mount (Cunha 72) - 6

Should have had an assist after releasing Sesko.

Leny Yoro (Maguire 72) - 6

Moved to centre-forward as United chased

Manuel Ugarte (Casemiro 72) - 5

Defended poorly after coming on and was culpable for the goals.

Diogo Dalot (Dorgu 80) - N/A

Manchester United's young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will not be taking to the pitch against Tottenham due to an injury. Mainoo did not join the squad on their journey down to London on Friday.

Ruben Amorim did not provide any specific team news during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, but it has been confirmed that Mainoo is sidelined due to an injury, ruling him out of the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Jack Fletcher has been called up to the squad as a replacement for Mainoo.

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This move maintains United's impressive 88-year record of featuring an academy graduate in every matchday squad. United have proudly included an academy graduate in their squad for a staggering 4,332 consecutive games.

"I don't want to be the guy that broke that record," Amorim stated back in September, emphasising the importance of this tradition. "If you see the past of Manchester United, it's built on kids that grew up here and stayed here for a long time. I think that should be our goal in the future. So I will try to maintain that."

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Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League game this season. His only starting appearance was against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park in the Carabao Cup second round.

The 20-year-old expressed a desire to go out on loan during the summer transfer window in order to gain more regular playing time, but Amorim denied the request, explaining that Mainoo was competing with Bruno Fernandes.

So far this season, Mainoo has made seven appearances, all from the bench, in league matches.

Manchester United and Tottenham both enter Saturday lunchtime's clash in buoyant moods. The Red Devils are unbeaten in four Premier League matches, with a draw at Nottingham Forest following three consecutive wins. Meanwhile, only a few days ago, Spurs trounced Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League.

They both have European ambitions this season but United could leapfrog their opponents into the top four with victory in north London. Ruben Amorim has a fully healthy squad to choose from, an oddity in the modern game, and will be poring over his team selection heading into the match. Express Sport has taken a look at the lineups he could deploy against Spurs...

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Tom Parsons

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches following a dismal start to the campaign but could find the going tough against a well-drilled Spurs side.

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Noussair Mazraoui has impressed as a United player and should come back into the defence at the expense of Luke Shaw if he’s fully fit.

In attack, Benjamin Sesko hasn’t done enough to hold onto his starting place after failing to score in his last three appearances. Mason Mount should be named on the wing, with Matheus Cunha moving into a central position.

Man Utd XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha, Mount

Jack McEachen

Amad has to start at wing-back if United are going to take the game to Tottenham, and they absolutely can. Similar to how positive the Red Devils looked in another big game, against Chelsea, Amad's inclusion provided dynamism and an impetus to play on the front foot.

The balance of the team could be complemented by bringing in Mason Mount for Benjamin Sesko, who could be dominated by the best centre-back pairing in the league of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Noussair Mazraoui could well play instead of Diogo Dalot, but the latter has developed more of an understanding with Mount and Matheus Cunha, and that could see him given the nod.

Man Utd XI: Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha, Mount

Charlie Malam

The big decision for Manchester United against Tottenham comes at left wing-back. Ruben Amorim will likely stick with Diogo Dalot but if it were me, I’d drop him in favour of Noussair Mazraoui. I’d go with the Moroccan over Patrick Dorgu in order to focus on containing the threat of Mohammed Kudus and Pedro Porro.

Another call is whether Benjamin Sesko starts. You either bench the Slovenian and have Matheus Cunha central with Mason Mount to his left like at Anfield last month, or start Sesko with Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo on either side of him. Personally I think you start Sesko again, as much as he struggled to get into the game at Nottingham Forest.

He’s taller than both Sergio Romero and Micky van de Ven and his powerful hold-up play against them could be crucial on the counter-attack. He also adds vital extra aerial threat at set-pieces that Mount simply cannot match. Elsewhere, it’s unchanged from the Forest draw.

Man Utd XI: Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mazraoui; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko