Manchester United have been handed another problem in a season that has offered little relief. Benjamin Šeško’s return from a lingering shin injury is now reportedly delayed until January, leaving Joshua Zirkzee as the only natural striker available to the club. That is a grim position for a side already searching for stability.

Šeško’s 12-goal debut campaign suggested United may have found a long-term centre forward, even if his injury record has caused concern. But with the 23-year-old sidelined, the winter window looks set to become a key moment for recruitment. The aim would be clear enough: find a forward who can help immediately without shutting down Šeško’s progress when he is fit again.

Jean-Philippe Mateta stands out as one option. The Crystal Palace striker is proven in the Premier League, out of contract next summer, and has long been linked with a move away. He finished last season with 16 goals across all competitions and has reached double figures in three successive campaigns. Clinical, physical and familiar with English football, he would bring both goals and competition.

Endrick is a different case entirely. Real Madrid blocked a loan exit in the summer, but his opportunities have been limited, with just four appearances so far. He spent half of the 2025-26 season on loan with Lyon, where he scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 21 matches. United could view him as a lower-risk, short-term option if Madrid allow another departure.

Alexander Sørloth offers another profile. The Atlético Madrid forward has scored 20 or more goals in each of his last three seasons and has twice finished among La Liga’s top four scorers. His previous Premier League spell at Crystal Palace yielded only one goal, but his current scoring record is far stronger.

Ivan Toney would also merit attention after his inclusion in England’s 2026 World Cup roster and his prolific form with Al Ahli, where he scored 41 goals in 48 appearances in 2025-26. Deniz Undav completes the list after a productive spell with Stuttgart, including 25 goals and 14 assists last season.

Manchester United are already being linked with possible replacements for Michael Carrick, with Eddie Howe said to be the leading candidate if change is made at Old Trafford.

Carrick’s position is understood to be under increasing pressure, and anything other than victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday would only add to the speculation surrounding his future. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, United have already begun conversations with possible options for the role.

“[Man Utd] also, because it’s the reality, they also had some conversations with agents, camps, representatives of other managers, because Manchester United had some conversation and that’s absolutely normal,” said the Italian.

“I’m not accusing Man Utd of anything wrong. It’s normal when things are not going well you start preparing for a potential change. So Man Utd had conversations with agents of managers.”

Romano then identified three names he believes sit on United’s list should Carrick be removed. In the order he gave them, those names were Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte.

“I told you that the three names we should take in consideration as free managers are in this order—Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte.

“Three managers very different one from the other and also in terms of approach.

“United are yet to say ‘Okay, let’s go for this coach.’ So the moment is still open but these are three names and obviously to talk with representatives, intermediaries or anyone close to these coaches is absolutely something normal in this situation, in this position for Manchester United.

“Then obviously there could be other managers who can be very attractive but very difficult to get.”

Howe, 48, has been out of work since leaving Newcastle at the end of July and is viewed as the current front-runner. His Premier League experience and man-management are thought to have caught United’s attention, even if there are lingering doubts about whether he has yet managed at a level comparable with Old Trafford.

Nagelsmann, 39, offers a very different profile. He has never coached in England, but his tactical reputation and attractive style have kept him in view. At the same time, his spell with the Germany national team did not fully convince, leaving him with questions of his own.

Jadon Sancho is reportedly closing in on a surprise move, with a switch to Saudi Arabia now said to be the likeliest outcome after his proposed transfer to Getafe broke down.

According to MARCA, Sancho rejected the La Liga side because he is still seeking a higher salary. The report says he wants €3 million ($3.3 million) per year, a figure that is seven-and-a-half times above what Getafe were ready to offer. That has left the deal dead.

The same report claims a Saudi club has now made a more attractive proposal, and discussions are under way between his representatives and the Middle East. No team has been named.

Sancho is currently out of contract, which means he can sign for a new club outside the transfer window, although registration rules still vary depending on the league. He has been training away from a club since leaving United this summer, while his agents continue to search for a permanent landing spot for the 26-year-old.

talkSPORT also say Sancho has been offered to West Ham United in the Championship, while several other English clubs have been made aware that he is available on a free transfer. Whether any of those sides will move for him remains unclear.

Earlier reports suggested Sancho understands the appeal of playing outside England after five difficult years at United. During that period, he remained under scrutiny even when on loan with Chelsea and Villa.