Manchester United are actively assessing the striker market ahead of the January transfer window following the news that Benjamin Sesko faces another spell on the sidelines. The 23-year-old Slovenia international, who has struggled with a persistent shin issue throughout the 2026-27 campaign, remains under medical evaluation to determine a definitive recovery timeline. Speaking to the media, head coach Michael Carrick acknowledged the club’s requirement to address the squad’s attacking limitations mid-season. According to reports in the Manchester Evening News, Carrick stated: "We’ll definitely be looking at that and trying to come out stronger in whatever way that looks like."
Mid-Season Recruitment Strategy and Dion Beljo
The club has identified Dinamo Zagreb’s Dion Beljo as a potential target. According to reporting by CaughtOffside, Manchester United are among the sides monitoring the 24-year-old, whose prolific form in the Croatian league has attracted significant interest. Beljo, who is under contract at Dinamo until 2030, has already scored 15 goals in as many matches this season. While the Croatian club reportedly rejected a €20 million offer from Real Betis during the summer, industry estimates indicate that Dinamo Zagreb’s valuation is now between €20 million and €25 million. Any prospective deal would require United to weigh this fee against competing interest from clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and AC Milan. The Zagreb club holds considerable leverage in any negotiations due to the length of the striker's contract.
Tactical Alternatives and Igor Matanovic
SC Freiburg’s Igor Matanovic has also emerged as a target for United. The 23-year-old represents a different tactical option, offering a traditional centre-forward profile that the current squad may lack during Sesko’s absence. However, securing a deal for the forward presents distinct challenges. Goal reports that Freiburg are under no financial pressure to sanction a mid-season departure and are understood to be demanding a fee in the region of £50 million. With Matanovic having scored six goals in seven matches this season, the Bundesliga club remains in a strong negotiating position. This valuation, combined with the German club's reluctance to sell, could potentially complicate any move for the player before the summer of 2027.
Squad Depth and Tactical Planning
Michael Carrick’s current attacking rotation relies on adapting players such as Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee to operate in central roles. While these players provide tactical versatility, neither profile matches the traditional target-man role currently occupied by Sesko. The club’s recruitment department is now weighing the merits of pursuing an immediate, potentially expensive January acquisition against the strategic benefit of waiting until the summer window. The final approach will likely be determined by the definitive medical assessment of Sesko's condition. If the 23-year-old requires surgery to address his shin injury, the club's board may be forced to prioritise an immediate reinforcement to maintain competitive depth across all competitions for the remainder of the campaign.
