Manchester United could be forced to sign a new centre-forward in the January transfer window after hearing Benjamin Sesko could be sidelined until the New Year.

A troublesome shin problem has plagued the Slovenian striker for the past six months, and a new fitness concern has hampered his availability over the last five weeks, with the 23-year-old last featuring in mid-September during their Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Although Sesko has undergone thorough checks at United's training complex, sources close to the club are concerned their £73.4million signing could face a spell of up to four months out - as per The Sun - which would force INEOS to dip into the transfer market. Here, SPORTbible looks at four strikers Michael Carrick should consider signing in January.

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Jean-Philippe Mateta is a proven Premier League striker who could transform Carrick's forward line. The Red Devils are long-term admirers of the Frenchman, having tried to sign him in previous transfer windows.

But January could present the best opportunity for United to pounce on the Crystal Palace marksman. Mateta sees his contract expire next summer and has shown no interest in signing a new deal at Selhurst Park, which could force the Europa Conference League holders to sell him midway through the season.

The 29-year-old recently returned from a hamstring injury and came off the bench for the final 29 minutes of their humiliating 5-0 defeat to Brighton last time out.

A potent centre-forward with incredible strength and aerial ability, Mateta has scored 50 goals in 164 top-flight appearances for the Eagles and could be the perfect option to permanently rival Sesko for a place in the starting lineup.

Ivan Toney

United were one of several clubs interested in Ivan Toney when he was at Brentford before he sealed a lucrative transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in 2024.

Toney was a prolific finisher in the Premier League, scoring 36 goals in 85 appearances for the Bees, while unsurprisingly continuing his electric finishing in a league of lesser quality.

The 30-year-old's 42 goals in all competitions last term - surpassing the tallies of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema - earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup.

Toney's mega wage could make any deal difficult for Man United to complete, but former Man United defender Gary Pallister thinks INEOS should sign him for his Premier League-proven quality, and he would perhaps welcome a return to England.

Nicolo Tresoldi

Capturing someone with no experience of England's top flight is always a gamble, but Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tressoldi could be worth the risk in January.

Tresoldi has established himself as one of Europe's most prolific forwards, with 32 goals in 69 appearances for Brugge since joining from Hannover in 2025.

Capable of dropping deep to link play and crashing the box to finish chances, the Germany U21 international would slot perfectly into Carrick's front three alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

The 22-year-old would be an eye-catching addition, though United would have to fend off significant interest for his signature, with Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona all tracking his progress.

Endrick

Versatility is essential in Carrick's system, and Real Madrid forward Endrick can play in several positions across the front line, making him an ideal option for the Red Devils in January.

Endrick was linked with a departure from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer before Jose Mourinho blocked his exit and promised him opportunities.

It's been a difficult start to the season for the 20-year-old, who missed the opening matches with a muscular injury before returning at the start of September. He made his first start of 2026/27 in their 4-1 drubbing of Sevilla on Sunday after scoring and assisting from the bench against Roma in the Champions League.

Mourinho has a star-studded attack at Madrid, and Endrick isn't always guaranteed to start. Perhaps United could launch an ambitious loan move for the Brazilian, who scored eight times in 21 appearances on loan at Lyon last season.