Ruben Amorim Striker Crisis! Chido Obi is called Manchester United’s answer

Gilabola.com – Manchester United was gripped by anxiety when Benjamin Sesko had to be withdrawn in the dramatic 2-2 against Tottenham Hotspur. The mainstay striker, who came on in the second half, fell after a heavy impact and immediately sought treatment, sparking fears of a serious knee injury. With all the substitutions used up, Ruben Amorim was forced to close the match with 10 players.

Amorim himself was unable to hide his worries. “I’m more worried because it’s a knee. We don’t know. We need Ben to be a better team,” he said.

The situation became even more worrying when Sesko was withdrawn from the important World Cup Qualification schedule with Slovenia against Kosovo and Sweden. However, the results of the examination at Carrington brought relief: there was no major ligament damage. According to a Sky Sports report, Sesko is expected to miss a maximum of one month—a much more positive outcome than initial fears that his season could be completely disrupted.

He is now undergoing targeted rehabilitation in Manchester while waiting for a long-term recovery program to be completed by the club’s medical team.

Zirkzee is the only senior striker

Sesko’s absence means United lacks options up front. Joshua Zirkzee is now the only natural center forward in the main squad. This condition has led to speculation regarding a change in tactics or emergency recruitment.

However, according to club legend Dwight Yorke, United need not panic. In fact, he said, the best solution already exists within the squad. Speaking to Snabbare, Yorke emphasized that Amorim maintains the club’s identity by giving young players opportunities rather than looking for short-term loan strikers who usually do not make a significant impact.

“I think Amorim should invest in young players and bring in fresh talent if Sesko is injured,” said Yorke.

“We have seen how attempts to bring in emergency players in the past have not worked. A club of this size cannot afford to take risks with players who are not suitable.”

Yorke added that if United want to look for a new striker, the level must be that of an influential recruit at a big club – not just an addition to the squad.

Chido Obi, New Hope in the Midst of Crisis?

Of the young options, Yorke highlighted one name: Chido Obi, an 18-year-old striker born in Nigeria who joined from Arsenal in 2024. Obi appeared seven times in the Premier League last season before returning to the U-23 team.

“How is Chido Obi?” Yorke asked. “If you are good enough to be at Manchester United, you should be given a chance. In the past young players could train with us, then play to keep the rhythm, then return to the first team to be ready. That’s what has to be done.”

Yorke emphasized that this was the right moment for Amorim to call Obi rather than looking for an instant solution. United, according to him, have repeatedly proven that the academy pathway is part of the club’s DNA.

“History shows that this is a club that gives opportunities to young players. If United only wanted to bring in players who were ‘good enough’, they would actually back down again,” he stressed.

When will Sesko return?

Manchester United will return to Premier League action on November 24 against Everton, a match Sesko will definitely miss. If his recovery goes well, the Slovenian striker could be aiming for a comeback in the December 21 away match against Aston Villa, or the Boxing Day duel against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

It is certain that Sesko will not be forced until he is truly ready, but the prognosis of one month out gives Amorim and the supporters great hope that United will not be without their new goal machine for too long.