Ben Sesko's Injury Woes Continue at Manchester United
Ben Sesko’s fragile start to life at Manchester United took another hit on Sunday, as the striker was nowhere to be seen at Craven Cottage.
The Slovenian, who started the chaotic 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton in midweek, was left out of the squad entirely for the trip to Fulham after feeling discomfort in his shin. The problem is not new – and that is what will worry United most.
Old injury, new headache
Sesko, 23, is dealing with a recurrence of the same shin issue that already wrecked the end of last season. That first spell on the sidelines cost him the final three games of the campaign and wiped out his entire pre-season. United bought a striker for the present and the future; so far, they’ve mostly had a name on an injury report.
He had only just begun to re-emerge, easing his way back with a substitute appearance at Hull on the opening weekend and then building minutes across six outings in all competitions. Now, just as he looked ready to become a regular option, the brakes are on again.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw with Fulham, Michael Carrick cut a cautious figure.
“We're not sure with Ben yet,” the United manager said. “He felt a bit of pain after the game [against Brighton] so we're assessing him. At the moment, he definitely wasn't ready for [Fulham], so I haven't really got any more news to give you at this point. We'll have to see what that brings.”
No timeline. No guarantees. Just more waiting.
A stuttering start, made worse
United’s Premier League campaign has already begun with a limp. One win from five after the draw at Craven Cottage is not the launch Carrick had mapped out, and losing his primary No 9 option again only adds to the strain.
Without Sesko, United lacked a focal point in London. The broader picture is just as troubling: the attack has yet to settle, the rhythm still feels off, and the man signed to help fix that keeps being dragged back to the treatment room.
The international break arrives at a useful moment for the medical staff, but not necessarily for the player. It remains unclear whether Sesko will withdraw from Slovenia duty, leaving another layer of uncertainty hanging over his short-term future.
Slivers of good news
There were at least some positives for Carrick at Craven Cottage.
Luke Shaw returned to the starting XI, a significant boost on the left side after his own lay-off. On the bench, £70 million summer signing Carlos Baleba was finally involved in a matchday squad for the first time following his ankle problem.
“Luke coming back is good for the squad,” Carrick said before kick-off. “And having Carlos in the group for the first time... is important today.”
United need both. Shaw’s balance and experience, Baleba’s energy and profile in midfield. With Sesko out and results stuttering, every returning body matters.
Yet the injury list still stretches across key areas. Matthijs de Ligt travelled with the group to London but was not fit enough to be considered, while Amad Diallo is still waiting for his first appearance of the season. The squad feels full, but the team rarely looks complete.
Brutal run on the horizon
The calendar offers no sympathy once domestic football resumes.
After this three-week pause, United host Tottenham on 10 October, a fixture that already feels loaded given their early struggles. Straight after that, they head to Spain for a high-stakes Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid, a trip that demands physical intensity and mental clarity.
By then, Carrick will hope for clarity on more than just Sesko. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are also doubts for England duty due to fitness issues, and their situations will be watched just as closely over the break.
United’s season is still in its opening chapters, but the theme is emerging: big games, big expectations, and a growing reliance on players whose bodies keep pushing back. The question now is simple – when the fixtures turn ruthless in October, will Carrick actually have his strongest side on the pitch, or just on paper?
