Sources: Man United make January transfer plan amid ‘serious’ injury concerns
Man United are preparing to be active in the January transfer window as they await news on the extend of Benjamin Sesko’s knee injury.
Sesko was forced off with a knee injury against Tottenham and there are now worries that he could spend an extended period on the sidelines after undergoing tests.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, United are waiting to be told the full extend of the injury, but if it is more serious than they initially expected, it will force them to make a move in January.
Joshua Zirkzee remains the only natural backup to the Slovenia international, but has received minimal playing time this season, leading to questions about his role.
As a result, United are considered more likely to pursue a new striker mid-way through the season, with a number of targets already on their radar.
Benjamin Sesko injury could force Man United to spend
Football Insider revealed on 13 November that Sesko’s injury could force Man United into the market given their current lack of attacking depth.
There had been no plans to bring in attacking reinforcements in January prior to this blow, given their outlay during the summer, but a “serious” blow could force their hand.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, this is the big thing. They’re waiting to find out the full extent of the injury sustained by Sesko in that draw with Tottenham.
“United have claimed they do not think it’s a serious injury, but he’s been sent for further tests to get a clear prognosis of how long he might be out for.
“If it is a long-term injury, it obviously does affect United’s transfer plans for January.
“Before this injury, it wasn’t a priority to bring in an attacker because they spent heavily in the summer to bring in attacking reinforcements.
“No decisions made from United just yet. They want to wait to see how serious this injury is first.”
Ruben Amorim has previously said that Sesko will be Man United’s first-choice striker for the foreseeable future, putting his faith in the Slovenian despite a poor start to the season.
Man United line up Vitor Roque as potential striker target
Given the current uncertainty about Sesko’s injury and a potential blow to their attacking depth, United are considering a number of targets ahead of the January window.
Football Insider revealed on 11 November that Man United are monitoring Vitor Roque, the 20-year-old Palmeiras forward who has caught the eye of Europe’s elite clubs.
Chelsea and Tottenham are also believed to be keeping tabs on his progress, and while a January move was considered unlikely, United could now step up their plans.
This comes as Football Insider revealed on 14 November that Roque would be open to joining Man United to make a return to European football.
The striker left Barcelona in February after struggling to make an impact at the Camp Nou, but is determined to prove his former club wrong and show he can play at the top level.
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