Best free‑agent strikers Man Utd could chase after Sesko setback

Having taken part in the GiveMeSport Academy in early 2023, Calum joined the team full‑time in June before moving into the editor role, while Manchester United grapple with Benjamin Sesko’s shin injury that leaves the club short‑handed up front and a crucial challenge.

Calum’s GiveMeSport journey

Calum completed a Freelance Journalism course through the British College of Journalism and then stepped into the editor position at GiveMeSport shortly after his June start. He has also produced news content for HITC Sport and Read Liverpool, creating a wide range of articles, opinion pieces, lists and viral sport stories. His portfolio extends beyond football, having given coverage to Boxing, Tennis and Wrestling for the outlet.

Sesko’s injury leaves United short‑handed

Benjamin Sesko was ruled out of Slovenia’s upcoming fixtures after a recurring shin problem forced him out of the final three games of the previous season and kept him out of pre‑season. The striker posted an Instagram apology, saying he is sorry to miss the national team matches and will focus fully on his recovery. United confirmed that fitness tests will be carried out this week before defining his individual recovery plan.

Manchester United have collected only five points from a possible fifteen in the Premier League, and the absence of their focal striker has seen Matheus Cunha deployed as a makeshift centre‑forward. While Cunha, Marcus Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo can all be used up front, each is more effective in a different role, leaving the manager with limited options.

Free‑agent options for United

Despite the transfer window being closed, United can still sign free agents. Karim Benzema, who left Al‑Hilal this summer, remains the most talented striker available, having won the Ballon d’Or. Former United forward Anthony Martial is also unattached at 30 years old, though his career has not followed the trajectory he once promised.

Argentina forward Mauro Icardi, with over 280 career goals, and Spaniard Joselu, most recently of Al‑Gharafa after helping Real Madrid reach the 2024 Champions League final, are additional stop‑gap solutions. All are free‑agent strikers that United could bring in now to bolster their attack.

The market for free agents remains active, with clubs across Europe scouting experienced forwards who can add depth without a transfer fee. United’s pursuit of any of these names will depend on medical clearance and the speed of Sesko’s recovery.