Manchester United may need to sign a striker in the January transfer window as a result of Benjamin Sesko's fitness issues. For the last six months, a shin problem has troubled the Slovenian. He has also been forced to sit out the last five weeks as a result of a separate injury issue.
United did not sign a new striker last summer, something Michael Carrick may be regretting. Recent reports have also stated Sesko is not expected to play again this year and may not return until February. If this is the case, United may need to attack the winter window to sign a new forward.
Sesko could be sidelined for up to four months
According to the Sun, Sesko could remain sidelined for up to four months. That would rule him out until as late as February, meaning he would miss a considerable number of fixtures, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Carrick is expected to provide a clearer indication of his return date in the coming days, having indicated he would deliver a more definitive update at one of his forthcoming press conferences.
When pressed on Sesko's condition, Carrick said: "We're hoping really soon that we'll have a clear picture. I'm not trying to delay it. Hopefully next time we speak.
"Maybe not tomorrow, but by the end of the week, we'll have something a little bit clearer. There's a bit of work going on at the moment, so we'll see what comes out of that."
Striker's contribution and competition
Sesko netted 12 goals last season following his high-profile switch from RB Leipzig, and has also faced stiff competition from Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for a starting berth at the top of United's attack.
So far this campaign, the striker has chipped in with two goals in six appearances across all competitions, including a powerful header in the 2-2 draw away at Everton and a finish in the 4-0 victory over Sabah.
United's options up front
Beyond Sesko, United are notably short of recognised centre-forwards. Rasmus Hojlund departed for Napoli this summer after the Italian club's Champions League qualification triggered a mandatory purchase clause, signing him permanently for £38m following his loan spell last season.
Zirkzee, meanwhile, has never truly been regarded as a conventional striker - he famously described himself as a "number 9.5" owing to his qualities being equally suited to both the No. 10 and No. 9 roles.
Last week, United were even linked with a swoop for former Tottenham Hotspur forward Troy Parrott, who has been putting in an impressive stint with Real Betis.
