Man Utd's ideal Benjamin Sesko replacement option in exciting striker reunion

Manchester United may be forced to delve into the January transfer market for a new striker after Benjamin Sesko sustained a knee injury in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham. Sesko, who was brought on as a substitute in the 58th minute, could only manage half an hour before being escorted off the pitch following treatment for a knee issue.

The Red Devils were left with 10 men on the field as Ruben Amorim had already exhausted all his substitutions. On Monday, United confirmed that Sesko would not be joining Slovenia for international duty ahead of their two World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden. Instead, the 23-year-old will stay at Carrington for further assessment this week.

Although the injury is not thought to be severe, there are whispers that United might consider another No. 9 when the January transfer window swings open.

Should the Reds decide to scout for a striker, one potential candidate is Ivan Toney. The England international has been consistently linked with a move to Old Trafford, and this could be the ideal moment for him to don the United jersey.

Toney, 29, has been plying his trade in Saudi Arabia for the past 15 months after signing for Al-Ahli in August 2024. During his stint in the Middle East, he has netted 41 goals and provided eight assists in 59 appearances.

Toney, who has scored 11 goals in 15 matches this season, seems to have some unfinished business in the Premier League. He previously dazzled for three years in the top flight at Brentford.

The former Northampton and Peterborough player netted 36 goals in 83 top-tier games for the Bees between 2021 and 2024. He was a key figure in a Brentford attack that also included United forward Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo and Toney were team-mates at the Gtech Community Stadium for four years and both played pivotal roles in establishing the Bees as a Premier League club. They formed a formidable partnership at the top of the pitch, with Toney and Mbeumo scoring or assisting each other 16 times during that period.

Although Mbeumo is set to miss at least part of January due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), he could reignite his special bond with Toney at United upon his return. Even if Sesko's absence is not long-term, Toney would provide United with another dimension and option in attack, and also allow Joshua Zirkzee to depart the club after struggling for game time.

A front three of Mbeumo on the right, Toney through the middle and Matheus Cunha on the left could be a game-changer for United and Amorim during the second half of the season.

Toney is valued at around £40million and has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Al-Ahli contract. With the forward turning 30 in March, United could attempt to negotiate the price down and persuade him to make the move.