The injury to Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko has created a significant setback for manager Ruben Amorim, who now faces the urgent task of restructuring his attack as the club prepares for a demanding stretch of fixtures. Sesko, who picked up a serious knee injury during the 2–2 draw against Tottenham, had come off the bench in the second half and contributed actively before a late challenge left him unable to continue. The situation was further complicated by the fact that Amorim had already used all his substitutions, rendering him unable to adjust the squad for the remainder of the match.
With the international break now underway, the focus has shifted to how Manchester United will adapt in Sesko’s absence. According to the analysis, Amorim has three primary options — each carrying its own opportunities and risks.
The first solution involves using Matheus Cunha as a false nine, a role he previously thrived in during his time at Wolves. Amorim has already experimented with a strikerless system against top clubs like Liverpool, and Cunha’s mobility, intelligence, and link-up play make him a natural fit. In the recent match against Tottenham, although Cunha was active and involved in key moments, he lacked precision in finishing.
Even so, deploying him again in the false-nine role could preserve United’s tactical flexibility, especially with Mason Mount supporting from midfield. However, this setup places greater pressure on the wing-backs and wide attackers. Against Tottenham, the decision to use Noussair Mazraoui as a wing-back pushed Amad Diallo further forward and shifted Bryan Mbeumo to the left. Despite maintaining attacking width, United appeared less dynamic on the right flank, something Amorim must reassess moving forward.
The second option is to give Joshua Zirkzee a more prominent role. Once considered a key piece for the future, Zirkzee has been sidelined from Amorim’s core plans so far this season. Nevertheless, Sesko’s injury may open the door for the young forward to reassert his value. Zirkzee’s performances last season displayed creativity and confidence when given the chance, and this could be a pivotal moment for him to regain momentum. Whether Amorim is prepared to trust a player who has not featured consistently, however, remains uncertain.
The third and boldest solution is to promote 17-year-old academy prospect Chido Obi. With Kobbie Mainoo injured, United risks breaking an 88-year tradition of always having at least one academy graduate in the first-team squad. Although Obi is still developing at the youth level, his raw talent and striking instincts make him a compelling option if Amorim chooses to take a risk. The article notes that while this move might be premature, it could also spark the emergence of a new talent at a critical moment.
In the coming weeks, Amorim must weigh the balance between stability, bold experimentation, and long-term development. As Sesko faces a lengthy recovery, the decisions made now will shape Manchester United’s attacking identity for the remainder of the season
