Manchester United outcast might make transfer U-turn after Benjamin Sesko setback

 Manchester United might turn to Joshua Zirkzee after Benjamin Sesko’s injury

Manchester United have now opened the campaign with a more settled start under Ruben Amorim, and the mood around Old Trafford has lifted in recent weeks.

The 2-2 draw against Tottenham at the weekend showed signs of greater resilience, as Matthijs de Ligt scored late to make it 2-2 and prevent the game from slipping away. That performance suggested a team willing to fight back, which was often lacking last season.

However, the match brought an unwelcome setback. Benjamin Sesko left the pitch with a knee problem and will withdraw from Slovenia international duty, raising new concerns over depth in the centre-forward area.

Manchester United have limited cover in that position, so the injury has put more focus on Joshua Zirkzee’s role. His situation has been unsettled, with reports stating he feels frustrated about limited minutes and that other clubs have grown interested in him.

According to Football Insider, former United chief scout Mick Brown suggested that the current circumstances may open the door for Zirkzee to feature more often. He indicated that Sesko’s absence could give him a proper run of games and ease his concerns while giving Amorim a direct alternative. Even if Zirkzee had considered moving on, this period could change things for him.

“It was a magnificent recovery tackle by Van de Ven. When you look at the challenge, it didn’t seem to impact his left side, which was the knee he was complaining about when he was forced to come off. I think if there was ever a good time to get an injury, it’s before an international break.”

“But if he’s out for any extended period, Zirkzee will be given a chance to make his mark.

I think he will be a good player for somebody when he plays, he’s got that drive about him which makes him a thorn in the side for a lot of defenders.”

“Whether this system at United suits him, I’m not sure. We won’t find out until he’s given a run of games to show the manager what he can do.”

“I think now is the chance for that to happen, and if he’d been looking to leave in search of playing time, he can finally get that at United. The club were reluctant to let him go anyway, so maybe it’s a situation which suits them both despite obviously suffering the blow of losing Sesko.”

“There’s no way they’ll let him go if he’s out, and for Zirkzee, playing regularly in the Man United team might help ease those frustrations he’s had.”

How can Amorim use Zirkzee now, and should he back him?

Manchester United now face a situation where Sesko’s injury has forced a rethink at centre-forward, and the logical move seems to be giving Zirkzee a different type of role. He has never looked like a front man who thrives by pinning defenders and attacking the penalty area in straight lines.

Instead, the 24-year-old feels more at ease dropping short, linking play, and drawing markers into areas they do not want to occupy, which can open channels for wide players and midfield runners.

Moreover, that approach could suit United’s current attacking mix, as the team already carries pace and direct movement from the flanks. By stepping away from the defensive line, Zirkzee can act almost like a connector, receiving with his back to goal before sliding passes into advancing teammates.

This could help United keep the ball higher up the pitch and keep pressure on teams that defend deep, which had previously led to slow and predictable attacking moments.

Our view is that the club should use this opportunity to play in a more flexible way, rather than trying to mimic Sesko’s style with a player who offers different qualities. If Amorim commits to that shift, the Dutchman may finally settle and contribute consistently. Clubs like West Ham United or Everton may now miss their chances of signing him in January.