Benjamin Sesko’s injury could force Michael Carrick into an important Manchester United selection decision against Hull City, but the head coach already has a £65million solution he knows can work.
Sesko has not featured during United’s pre-season programme while recovering from the injury that ended his previous campaign.
The Slovenian remains a doubt for Saturday’s Premier League opener, leaving Carrick with a significant question over who leads the attack at the MKM Stadium.
Bryan Mbeumo may provide the simplest answer.
🚨 NEW: Benjamin Sesko has returned to training on the grass with his teammates and has completed a couple of sessions as he continues his recovery from injury.
However, Saturday’s clash with AC Milan will come too soon for him, but the hope is that he can start being involved… pic.twitter.com/QEMkVY3EPg
— Stretford End (@StretfordEndx) August 14, 2026
Benjamin Sesko injury opens door for Bryan Mbeumo
Mbeumo is naturally associated with the right wing, but Carrick has already demonstrated his willingness to use the Cameroon international centrally.
Earlier in Carrick’s United reign, the Premier League’s own tactical analysis highlighted how Mbeumo was deployed as the lone striker, with Carrick praising his movement and eye for goal.
Mbeumo scored twice while playing through the middle during that early spell.
The experiment has continued during pre-season.
Mbeumo has looked dangerous when drifting into central areas and was heavily involved in Joshua Zirkzee’s goal during United’s 1-1 draw with Leeds before the penalty shootout victory.
The Guardian described how Mbeumo burst down the left before supplying Zirkzee for United’s opener at Croke Park.
That flexibility now becomes particularly valuable.
Man Utd do not need to panic over Sesko absence
Losing United’s recognised centre-forward for the opening game would clearly be a blow.
Sesko scored 12 goals in all competitions last season and remains the striker Carrick is expected to build around once fully fit.
But his absence does not automatically mean United need to change their attacking structure dramatically.
Mbeumo understands Carrick’s system, can press from the front and offers the movement required to attack space behind Hull’s defence.
talkSPORT’s early predicted lineup for the opener already has Mbeumo starting centrally if Sesko remains unavailable.
That could also allow Amad to remain on the right, Bruno Fernandes centrally and Matheus Cunha from the left.
Carrick would therefore retain much of the attacking structure he used successfully last season rather than asking Zirkzee or another player to replicate Sesko’s game directly.
£65m Man Utd signing could become crucial again
United paid around £65m to sign Mbeumo from Brentford in 2025.
His first season brought 12 goals in all competitions, leaving him joint-top of United’s scoring charts alongside Sesko.
His versatility could now prove almost as valuable as his output.
ReadManUtd highlighted after the AC Milan defeat that Carrick already has several problems to solve before the Premier League opener.
Finding a striker may not need to become another one.
If Sesko cannot recover in time, Carrick already has a player he trusts through the middle.
Mbeumo could now get the opportunity to prove that United’s £65m investment gives them more than just an elite right winger.