Sesko Setback Deepens Manchester United’s Early-Season Strain

Manchester United arrived at Craven Cottage on Sunday without one of the key names on Michael Carrick’s team sheet. Ben Sesko wasn’t just left out of the starting XI – he wasn’t in the squad at all.

The Slovenian striker, who started the chaotic 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton in midweek, felt discomfort afterwards and has suffered a recurrence of the shin problem that already wrecked his summer. The same injury sidelined the 23-year-old for more than two months, ruling him out of United’s final three games last season and wiping out his entire pre-season.

This isn’t a niggle. It’s the same issue, back again, at the worst possible time.

Carrick in the dark over return date

Speaking after the draw with Fulham, Carrick cut a cautious figure when asked about Sesko’s condition. There was no attempt to dress it up.

"We're not sure with Ben yet," he 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 assurances. Just a wait.

Sesko’s absence only tightens the squeeze on a United side already stumbling through the opening stretch of the Premier League campaign. The draw at Craven Cottage leaves them with just one win from their first five league matches, a start that has stripped away any early-season optimism.

Sesko has managed six appearances across all competitions so far this term, having made his return as a substitute against Hull on the opening weekend. Just as he was edging back towards rhythm, the shin problem has flared again.

Small boosts amid a growing list

There was at least some relief for Carrick in west London.

Luke Shaw returned to the starting line-up, a significant boost given United’s recent instability at the back. On the bench, £70 million summer signing Carlos Baleba was finally included in a matchday squad after his own ankle issue, offering a glimpse of the midfield depth United hope to lean on as the season wears on.

"Luke coming back is good for the squad. And having Carlos in the group for the first time... is important today," Carrick said before kick-off, acknowledging the thin positives in an increasingly crowded medical room.

But the injury list still bites. Matthijs de Ligt travelled with the squad to London yet was deemed unfit to feature. Amad Diallo remains without a single appearance this season, his campaign stalled before it has even started.

International break brings questions, not clarity

Now comes a three-week international break, a pause that should, in theory, offer United’s medical staff a precious window to assess and reset. In reality, it brings its own uncertainty.

It is not yet clear whether Sesko will pull out of Slovenia duty as his shin is monitored. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo also face anxious waits, both doubts for England because of ongoing fitness concerns.

Carrick will hope the break heals rather than harms. Because what awaits on the other side is unforgiving.

When domestic football resumes, United host Tottenham on October 10 in a game that will instantly test their response to this stuttering start. Then comes a trip to Spain and a high-stakes Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.

By then, the question will be simple: will Carrick have his squad back – or will this early-season injury cloud define United’s autumn?