Sesko's Knee Knock Drops a Bombshell on United's December Grind

Injury shakes Amorim's plans as United brace for December

Sesko’s knee issue, sustained during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham before the international break, has disrupted manager Ruben Amorim's plans at Manchester United as they head into a congested December schedule, with hopes he could be back before the holidays despite missing the upcoming clash with Everton.

Sesko’s trouble flared in that match, prompting United's medical team to withdraw him from Slovenia's squad for treatment at the club's facility.

ESPN reported that initial scans did not reveal a major injury, while later evaluations indicated a brief spell on the sidelines of a few weeks, with a return anticipated in December.

He will miss the Everton game at Old Trafford on Monday, the first match under Amorim since the international break.

United also have another November fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on the 30th, before entering a six-match December stretch.

Across December United face West Ham, Wolverhampton, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and a second meeting with Wolves before year-end, making Sesko's absence felt for Amorim's attacking options.

Sesko has two goals in 12 appearances since arriving from Germany last summer, and his absence could see Bryan Mbeumo continue as the focal point of United's three-man attack, especially after scoring six goals in 12 games since joining from Brentford.

His injury may put pressure on the Dutch forward Josh Zirkzee, who is weighing a January exit to seek more minutes and boost his chances with the Netherlands for next summer's World Cup.

ESPN sources indicate Roma are among clubs interested in him, but Sesko's absence adds complexity to Amorim's decision about selling, since he remains the only natural striker in the squad.

Meanwhile United are expected to attract Napoli's interest in midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in January as he seeks more minutes ahead of the World Cup.

From Domzale to Europe: Sesko's rapid rise illustrates a rare blend of pace, power, and intelligent movement in the box, evoking comparisons to Erling Haaland within the Red Bull system.

Born on May 31, 2003 in Domzale, Slovenia, Sesko began at his hometown club's academy, showing an early goal-scoring instinct that attracted European scouts.

In 2019 he joined RB Salzburg, part of the project to develop rising stars, and was loaned to Liefering where he exploded with goals that kept his name buzzing across Europe.

In the 2021-22 season he earned a first-team spot at Salzburg and quickly proved his finishing ability, scoring over 30 goals in all competitions across two seasons.

He moved in the summer of 2023 to RB Leipzig in Germany to continue within the Red Bull pipeline, scoring 18 goals across all competitions and proving his adaptability to the Bundesliga’s pace.

In the summer of 2025, Manchester United announced the signing of Sesko for around £73.7 million, a major investment reflecting belief in his future.

Although he had a tough start at Old Trafford, pundits see him as a complete striker capable of leading United's attack for years to come.

On the international stage, Sesko has represented Slovenia since 2021, scoring crucial goals in European qualifiers and becoming a key pillar of the next generation for his country. Off the pitch he is calm and modest, earning respect from teammates and coaches.

Although currently under pressure at United, his rising trajectory and self-belief suggest he could spearhead Slovenia and Europe’s forward line in the near future.

Amorim knows Sesko is in a tough period early in his United career, but he believes time will bring him back to form.

The Slovenian striker who rose from Domzale to Old Trafford has all the ingredients for success; he just needs patience and determination to turn criticism into praise.

As Sesko's time at United begins, the early hurdles are viewed as part of a youngster's development; the road to stardom is rarely a straight line, more like a crowded roundabout with a few detours.

Two punchlines: If injuries were a transfer, Sesko would be in the window forever. And remember, a calendar is just a schedule; December United will try to turn the page before it turns on them.