Blow for Carrick: Man Utd star 'managing issue' for weeks, teammate also withdraws from int'l duty

Manchester United have confirmed a major double injury blow that could create a lot of problems for interim manager Michael Carrick.

Man United confirmed that Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have pulled out of international duty.

Mbeumo was set to represent Cameroon for friendlies against Australia and China but has now withdrawn his participation as a precaution.

It is now revealed that United have been carefully managing a fitness issue with Sesko throughout recent weeks.

He will miss the friendly fixtures against Hungary and Montenegro in order to recover fully for the final stretch of the 2025-26 season.

The Red Devils now benefit from a rare three-week break before hosting arch-rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford.

In many ways, the timing could prove ideal, offering both forwards a crucial window to regain full fitness.

Both players have been instrumental in United’s attacking success this campaign, making their absence all the more significant.

After club captain Bruno Fernandes, they have produced the best attacking output for the Red Devils.

Mbeumo enjoyed a sensational first half of the season, but his recent dip in form may now be explained by his underlying fitness concerns.

Football is a team sport. When one forward falters, another must rise to the occasion.

In that regard, Sesko has stepped up impressively, hitting a rich vein of form at a crucial stage.

The Slovenian striker has struck five goals in his last nine appearances under Carrick.

The United head coach has often deployed him as an impact substitute, using his sharpness to punish tiring defences late in games.

United will now be hoping both forwards can return fully fit and fire them towards a strong finish in the league.

Securing a third-place finish in the Premier League remains firmly within their sights.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .