Four strikers Man Utd might sign in January after missing out on Benjamin Sesko, including a Premier League star who has scored 50 goals
Manchester United might need to sign a new centre-forward in January after learning that Benjamin Sesko could be out until the New Year. The Slovenian striker has been struggling with a shin problem for six months, and a recent fitness issue has kept him sidelined for the past five weeks. Sesko, 23, last played in mid-September during their Carabao Cup loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Despite thorough medical checks at United’s training ground, sources close to the club worry that their £73.4 million signing could miss up to four months. If that happens, United may have to look for new players in the transfer market. SPORTbible has picked out four strikers that Michael Carrick should think about signing in January.
One option is Jean-Philippe Mateta, a proven Premier League striker who could improve the forward line. United have been interested in the Frenchman for a while and tried to sign him before. January might be the perfect time since Mateta’s contract with Crystal Palace ends next summer, and he hasn’t shown interest in renewing it. This could push the Europa Conference League winners to sell him mid-season.
Mateta, 29, recently came back from a hamstring injury and was a substitute in Palace’s 5-0 loss to Brighton. He is a powerful striker known for his strength and heading ability, with 50 goals in 164 Premier League games. He could be a great long-term partner or rival for Sesko.
Another possibility is Ivan Toney, who was once linked with United while playing at Brentford before moving to Saudi club Al-Ahli in 2024. Toney scored 36 goals in 85 Premier League games for Brentford and continued scoring well in Saudi Arabia. Last season, he bagged 42 goals in all competitions, beating famous players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, leading to a spot in England’s World Cup squad.
Toney’s high salary might make a deal tough for United, but former defender Gary Pallister thinks he’d be a great signing thanks to his Premier League experience. Toney might also like to come back to England.
A riskier but interesting choice is Nicolo Tresoldi from Club Brugge. He hasn’t played in England’s top league yet but is one of Europe’s top young forwards, scoring 32 goals in 69 games since joining Brugge in 2025. The 22-year-old German U21 international can both create chances and finish well. He could fit nicely with Carrick’s attacking trio alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. However, United will have strong competition for him from clubs like Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona.
Finally, Real Madrid’s Endrick offers great versatility, playing in several forward positions. United were linked with him over the summer, but coach Jose Mourinho blocked a move and promised him chances to play. Endrick, 20, had a tough start to the season because of a muscle injury but has recently started games again, scoring and assisting in key matches. Since Madrid has a star-packed attack, Endrick isn’t guaranteed a spot. United might try an ambitious loan move for the Brazilian, who scored eight goals in 21 games during a loan at Lyon last season.
With Sesko’s injury concerns, these four options give United some solid choices to strengthen their attack this January.