Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has big problems to solve due to injuries as Benjamin Sesko could be set for a stint on the sidelines
Ruben Amorim wasn’t thinking about Benjamin Sesko’s performance in the aftermath of Manchester United’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Tottenham because he had bigger concerns.
Sesko, who came on for Matheus Cunha in the 58th minute, had a few opportunities to find the back of the net. But the Slovenian striker was too sluggish to take his shots and squandered the chances. His final attempt turned out to be his undoing. After receiving a pass from Mason Mount, Sesko dithered and Micky van de Ven swooped in, not only blocking his shot but also ending his game prematurely.
As Spurs launched a counterattack, Sesko stayed down and despite medical attention, there was no choice but to sub him off. Unfortunately for Amorim, he’d already used up all five substitutions. So, United finished the match a man down, conceded a late goal, only for Matthijs de Ligt to pull them back from the brink. In his post-match press conference, Amorim made it clear that his main worry wasn’t Sesko’s recent form, reports the Manchester Evening News.
He said: “That [his recent form] is not the biggest concern now. I’m concerned with an injury, because it is in the knee, and I don’t know. We need Ben to be a better team. We have to check. He has something in his knee. Let’s see.” As the November international break begins, Amorim has time to mull over his options should Sesko not be match-ready for the Everton clash on November 24 Here’s three potential solutions at Old Trafford.
Going without a striker
The most probable route Amorim will take is the no-striker setup he’s used against Spurs and Liverpool before. Both strategies work well with Cunha playing the ‘false nine’ role.
The ex-Wolves frontman has had a go in the centre-forward position at his former club and Amorim has capitalised on that flexibility at United. On Saturday, the Brazilian put in a shift but lacked the final touch, leading to Sesko being brought on.
What might be more intriguing is who Amorim picks for the No. 10 roles.
Fans are used to seeing Bryan Mbeumo on the right, Mount on the left and Amad holding down the right wing-back spot.
But in north London, United decided to bring back Noussair Mazraoui as wing-back, shifting Amad further up and nudging Mbeumo to the left.
This didn’t dampen Mbeumo’s impact in the first half, he was still a menace but United perhaps lost a bit of their attacking edge with the more defensive-minded Mazraoui on the right.
Amorim will have to weigh this up if he goes for the same line-up again.
Zirkzee back in the mix?
Joshua Zirkzee is currently on the outskirts of the first team, and it’s no surprise that MEN Sport reports he’ll be seeking a transfer by January.
The Dutchman’s dreams of making his national squad for the World Cup are dwindling with each passing week as he warms the bench. This season, Zirkzee has only clocked up 90 minutes across five matches and has been left on the sidelines for the rest.
However, an injury to Sesko might just open the door for him to rack up some much-needed game time. Last season, Zirkzee proved he could spearhead United’s attack when called upon.
He demonstrated immense mental fortitude to bounce back from a shaky start with United fans and emerged as a striker they were pleased to see chosen over Rasmus Hojlund. The arrivals of Cunha and Mbeumo have thrown a spanner in the works, but both seem more at home in the No.10 spot.
Zirkzee will believe he has a shot at securing his spot in the squad while Sesko is out. Whether Amorim is ready to put his faith in him remains to be seen.
Obi’s chance
Ahead of the Spurs match, Amorim was clear about his stance on giving United’s academy stars a go. “We have that record, we are not going to break that record and Jack [Fletcher] is ready to help us,” the Portuguese gaffer told TNT Sport when quizzed about the midfielder’s inclusion.
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?
Chido Obi was brought into play last season amidst United’s striker woes. The young lad has been given a shot with the academy this season, which is obviously the ideal scenario at 17.
However, if there’s no appetite to field Zirkzee and the strikerless system isn’t delivering, Obi might be the one to seize the opportunity. Whether he’ll get the nod from the start seems a long shot though.
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