Manchester United are increasingly expected to sign a striker in January, with a loan the more likely route. Benjamin Sesko’s injury has exposed a lack of depth through the middle, and the club are believed to be working within financial restrictions that limit how much they can spend. According to Caughtoffside.com.
United’s January striker plan leans towards a loan amid Sesko absence
United’s summer choice to direct resources into midfield rather than another centre-forward is now being tested. Sesko is sidelined and not expected back before the start of 2027, while Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to persuade Michael Carrick that he should lead the line. The Dutchman is not considered part of United’s long-term plans.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have both been used centrally, but neither is a natural No.9. With Zirkzee continuing to see limited action, the club lack a recognised option up front. Their January thinking appears to be moving towards a short-term fix rather than another major long-term investment.
According to The National, United are now likely to pursue a striker on loan when the window opens. The club are believed to be reluctant to commit a large fee to another centre-forward before the summer. Sesko is still seen as the long-term focal point of the attack, so a temporary deal would cover his absence without disrupting that plan.
CaughtOffside reported that United are exploring a loan move for Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who has Premier League experience and could provide an immediate physical presence. Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta also remains firmly on United’s radar, helped by his proven Premier League record and expiring contract.
The profile points towards experience, reliability and minimal adaptation time, because United need someone who can start immediately. Spending heavily on another young striker could create a problem once Sesko returns. With the summer focus on midfield, the absence of a dependable back-up striker now looks costly.
