Scholes Butt mock Man Utd striker while Carrick admits injury doubts

United’s injury concerns deepened as Carrick admitted uncertainty over Benjamin Sesko after the striker was sent for an MRI in London, while former teammates Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt ridiculed the shin problem and joked about shinpads, sparking debate over United’s lack of a true No9.

Injury update and MRI scan

Michael Carrick told reporters after United’s 1‑1 draw with Fulham that “we’re not sure with Ben yet”. He added the Slovenian felt pain following the Brighton game and was “definitely not ready for Fulham”. The Red Devils have therefore sent Benjamin Sesko to London for an MRI scan.

Sesko missed the weekend fixture against Fulham because the shin problem has recurred, prompting the club to act swiftly. The scan aims to determine whether the striker can return to the starting eleven soon.

Legends mock and No9 debate

In the latest episode of The Good, The Bad and The Football, Paul Scholes urged the forward to “put his shinpads on”, while Nicky Butt replied that a player either “breaks his shin or you play”. Both former United midfielders laughed at the situation, questioning how a shin injury could sideline a No9.

Butt went on to label the lack of a genuine centre‑forward as United’s “biggest problem”. He asked, “How can Man Utd have one centre‑forward? Who is injured, with what, a shin injury?” highlighting the club’s shortage up front.

Nicky Butt says Michael Carrick is killing Matheus Cunha at United

Scholes added, “How do you injure your shin? Ain’t that a broken leg? Can’t you just put your shinpads on?” reinforcing the mockery of the injury narrative.

Slovenia teammate Jaka Bijol defended Sesko, saying the striker should “distance himself from this kind of pressure”. Bijol praised Sesko’s quality and urged him not to let the criticism affect his confidence.

Butt argued that deploying Matheus Cunha as the No9 “kills the Brazilian’s ability”, insisting Cunha performs better on the wing. He noted United have no other No9 besides Sesko and the loan‑returning Zirkzee, who “keeps going, staying”.

Man Utd legends mock injured Benjamin Sesko as shin woes linger

He also criticised the back four, calling it “average”. Butt said the right‑back is unlikely to lift United into the top two or three, described Harry (Maguire) as “past his best”, called Lisandro Martinez “good but not dominant”, and observed Luke Shaw only plays three or four games before injury returns.