Liam Grace
Published November 25, 2025 2:03pm
Updated November 25, 2025 2:45pm
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Ruben Amorim must find a solution when Benjamin Sesko isn’t fit to start (Picture: Getty)
Joshua Zirkzee wasted a golden opportunity to impress his boss Ruben Amorim on Monday as Manchester United lost 1-0 at home to Everton.
With Benjamin Sesko unavailable due to a knee injury, Zirkzee was handed his first start of the season up top and failed to make any kind of impact in the 90 minutes he was on the pitch.
Despite being 6ft 4in tall, Zirzkee struggled to win headers and get on the end of crosses in a worrying display for a forward who was expected to combine his designated false nine role with basic target man duties.
Zirzkee only won six duels – 20 fewer than Everton striker Thierno Barry – and was United’s least accurate player in possession.
The Dutchman’s average position against the Toffees in the first half was deeper than Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Patrick Dorgu.
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With Zirzkee continuing to disappoint since his £36.5m arrival from Bologna in 2024, Amorim’s newest problem is a lack of a Plan B when Sesko isn’t fit.
But there are a number of potential solutions for Amorim, who is looking to guide United back into the Premier League top four this season.
Bruno Fernandes as a false nine
Bruno Fernandes could be moved higher up the pitch (Picture: Getty)
Sesko is not expected to return from injury until early December so Amorim will need a quick fix for United’s next game against Crystal Palace.
The United head coach could possibly deploy midfielder Fernandes as a false nine against the Eagles on Sunday, which would allow Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to attack high up the pitch.
Should Fernandes be used as the false nine, it would allow Amorim to kill two birds with one stone as Kobbie Mainoo, who is desperate for more minutes, could come into the XI to partner Casemiro.
It should be noted that this would be dependent on Cunha returning from injury after he missed the match against Everton due to a minor knock.
Chido Obi as the main striker
Chido Obi joined Man Utd from Arsenal in September 2024 (Picture: Getty)
Like Zirkzee, United’s teenage striker Chido Obi is known for his physical presence and Amorim could turn to the youngster for the Palace game.
The 17-year-old has only played eight times for United but has shined for their U21s side, with seven goals and three assists across 18 matches.
Former United forward Dwight Yorke is adamant that Obi should be starting games while Sesko is ruled out despite his lack of experience.
‘I would like to see Chido Obi put in if Sesko is out,’ Yorke said. ‘If you’re good enough to be at United, you’ve got to give them a chance. History has shown that this is a club where young players get that chance to stand in and step and we’ve seen that time and time again.’
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Man Utd could sign a replacement in January
Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a January exit (Picture: Getty)
Following the Palace game, Sesko could make his return against West Ham or Wolves but Amorim still needs a back-up option for the Slovenian who can have more of an impact than Zirkzee.
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It has been heavily rumoured that Zirkzee may leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window – and if that’s the case – United could recruit a new striker to replace him.
United could make a fresh attempt to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta after contract talks between the Frenchman and Crystal Palace stalled, according to reports.
The Red Devils have also been strongly linked to AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who is normally deployed as a winger but can play as a centre-forward too.
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