Paul Scoles and Nicky Butt expressed their bemusement at Benjamin Sesko's ongoing shin troubles. The Manchester United forward missed the 1-1 draw against Fulham and is set for further examinations this week.
Sesko initially picked up the injury last spring, exacerbating the issue after a bad landing in a May match against Liverpool. This setback has forced the Slovenian to miss all of pre-season preparations.
Scoles jokingly commented:
How can you even injure your shin? Doesn't a shin injury automatically mean a broken leg? Maybe just wear shin pads?
Butt concurred with his former United teammate:
It’s either a broken shin or you play. Just put on the pads or some extra protection – I really don't get it.
Of course, it’s hard to discuss without knowing the specifics of his injury.
However, Butt is far more concerned about Manchester United's decision not to sign another central striker over the summer. Beyond Sesko, the only other viable option remains Joshua Zirkzee, who has scored just nine goals in 77 matches for the club.
Butt stated:
Defensively, it’s a massive issue, but for me, the biggest problem is the number nine position. How can Manchester United have only one central striker? And now he’s injured.
With Sesko sidelined, Michael Carrick has been deploying Mateus Cunha as a forward, yet Butt believes this role diminishes the Brazilian’s strengths.
The former midfielder added:
Using Cunha as a number nine completely stifles his game. He’s nowhere near the same player when he’s stuck up front compared to when he's operating out wide.
Aside from Sesko, Zirkzee is the only option, and there’s constant talk about whether he’s staying or going. When he’s on the pitch, he doesn’t look like a Manchester United-calibre central striker at all.
After five matchdays, Carrick's side has accumulated just five points, currently sitting 12th in the Premier League.
