Manchester Evening News

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko picked up an injury in the draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Ruben Amorim will be patiently awaiting further news on Benjamin Sesko's knee injury.

When the Slovenian was thwarted one-on-one with Guglielmo Vicario, following a tackle by Micky van de Ven, and then stayed down, it was hard not to think the worst. Then when he limped off the field, leaving United to fend off Spurs with 10 men for the final moments, the omens did not look good.

Fears of a lengthy spell on the sidelines have subsided following further assessment of Sesko's injury. The injury is not believed to be major although it has ruled him out of Slovenia's World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden.

While potentially not a major issue, United could still be without Sesko for the game against Everton on November 24. Here are four ways United could line-up without their summer signing.

Fernandes versatility

One of the pleasures of having Bruno Fernandes in your squad is that no matter where you play him, he will give you 100 per cent every time. This has been proven this season following the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

The two new signings have sealed their spots in the starting XI and Fernandes has transitioned into a deeper role to accommodate them. While it is not his preferred position, he has adapted and is beginning to form a good partnership with Casemiro.

But while Sesko is out, Amorim could ask Fernandes to play as a false nine.

Like Fernandes himself has said previously: "I offer what the manager needs me to offer."

Potential midfield and attack line-up: Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Cunha; Fernandes

Mainoo return

The eagle-eyed among you will have spotted a player who has been on the fringes featuring in that first scenario. Kobbie Mainoo would likely come in to play alongside Casemiro, if Fernandes were to move further up the pitch.

It has been well documented that Mainoo wants further minutes. He handed in a loan request during the summer transfer window which was swiftly rejected by United.

Since then, his opportunities have been limited but utilising Fernandes further up the pitch could give Mainoo a way back into the team. He missed Spurs with a knock but he should be back to feature again following the break.

Another option to squeeze Mainoo into the XI would be to push Fernandes into the No.10 role, with Mason Mount on the bench to make an impact.

Potential midfield and attack line-up: Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes; Cunha

Zirkzee wildcard

Like Mainoo, Joshua Zirkee has struggled for minutes this season and MEN Sport understands he is preparing a request to leave Old Trafford in January.

But he could be utilised without Sesko in the team, but as a number 10 rather than in a straight swap. Zirkzee looks lost as the lone striker. He does not have the physical presence, but last season, when he played deeper, he contributed well.

If United want to get the best out of him, this would be the line-up to do that.

Potential midfield and attack line-up: Casemiro, Fernandes; Mbeumo, Zirkzee; Cunha

Mount inclusion

Finally, and perhaps most likely, would be to go striker-less in the absence of Sesko. United proved at Liverpool that this tactic can work well and moving to it would be least disruptive for the team.

Mount has been trusted by Amorim so far this season and has performed well when called upon. Playing alongside Mbeumo and behind Cunha would likely be United's preferred option without Sesko.

Benjamin Sesko picked up a knee injury against Tottenham Hotspur but there is no clear timeline on his potential return

Manchester United could be without Benjamin Sesko for some important games even if his knee injury is minor. The 22-year-old suffered the issue in the late stages of last weekend's 2-2 draw against Tottenham and with Ruben Amorim having made all his substitutions, United were forced to play the final few minutes with ten players.

Spurs looked to have taken advantage of that when Richarlison glanced a Wilson Odobert shot past United goalkeeper Senne Lammens only for Matthijs de Ligt to head home a last-gasp equaliser.

Despite scoring another late goal to snatch a point, injuries dominated Ruben Amorim's post-match press conference. After confirming issues for Harry Maguire and Casemiro, Amorim admitted on Sesko: "We have to check. He had something in his knee, let's see."

Though Sesko is set to remain at Carrington over the November international break, sources have suggested the injury is not as bad as first feared. Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek, meanwhile, wants Sesko to be seen by his country's medical team as the final international break of the year begins.

As quoted by Epika, the Slovenia manager said: "We also want the player to be examined by our medical service. Our doctor is an expert in this field.

"Of course I'm worried about the player, the only thing I'm interested in is his well-being, we're ready to do everything for that and we've never sent anyone onto the field if there was the slightest risk.

"But the national team is something very special and I expect maximum respect from everyone. Slovenia deserves that, even if there's a superpower like England on the other side, and something as exceptional as the Premier League."

Even with over a fortnight to rest, as United do not return to domestic action until Monday, November 24 against Everton, Sesko is likely to be a doubt. The following weekend, Amorim's side make the trip to Crystal Palace and just four days later host West Ham United.

A recovery period of just over three weeks would result in Sesko missing all of those games. Beyond that, there is another quick turnaround for United in mid-December as they face Wolves on Monday, December 8 ahead of welcoming Bournemouth to Manchester.

The busy Christmas and New Year schedule then arrives with Amorim likely desperate to have Sesko available with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad set to leave for AFCON. In that period, United take on Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Wolves, Leeds United and Burnley in the space of 17 days.

A severe knee problem could see Sesko miss all of those matches, but the hope will be that he can return this month.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

'I visited the best stadium in England - Man United must avoid one thing with new Old Trafford'

Manchester United drew 2-2 with Spurs in the Premier League at the impressive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is nestled between high-rise flats when you leave the overground White Hart Lane station.

The glass facade and sleek design immediately catch the eye. It looks almost as if a spaceship from a faraway galaxy has docked in north London and you can't approach quickly enough.

Manchester United visited Tottenham last weekend and I made my first visit to their stadium. I'd been repeatedly told it was the best arena in the country and it didn't fall short of that billing.

Although the security staff took their time to admit the press into the media suite, it was worth the wait, as the press facilities and food offerings are second to none in the Premier League.

The press food at Stamford Bridge is excellent, but Tottenham edges their London neighbours. The 12.30pm kick-off meant a full breakfast was on offer and the selection was superb for a media suite.

The press room itself was akin to a luxury hotel reception. There was ample working space, comfortable leather-padded seats and Spurs offer lockers for journalists to store bags.

The walk from the media suite to the press box is sign-posted - you could easily get lost on the way - and the interior of the ground is even more impressive than the exterior.

Tottenham left White Hart Lane in 2016, spent nearly three seasons at Wembley, and moved to their new 61,000-seater venue three years later. Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to build a new 100,000-seater Old Trafford by 2030 and there are a few lessons to be learned from Tottenham.

The design of the stadium is outstanding. You feel like you're working in a special arena throughout your visit, and architecture firm Populous deserved all the plaudits they received.

From a journalist's perspective, the press box is spacious and well-positioned, offering a good vantage point, while the media auditorium is a superb space for managers to conduct their post-match duties.

Ratcliffe wants the new Old Trafford, set to be designed by Foster + Partners, to be the greatest arena in the world, and they will deliver if the rebuild is anything like Tottenham's home.

Tottenham's stadium was rebuilt 170 yards away from where White Hart Lane stood, which means the feeling of the old ground hasn't been totally lost, and the new Old Trafford will seek to retain that 'feeling'.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is designed to maximise supporter experience and it brings fans closer to the pitch than at any comparable-sized stadium in the United Kingdom.

The distances from the front row to the touchline range from just 4.9 metres to 7.9 metres, and the single-tier South Stand is the largest in the UK with a capacity of 17,500 people.

The steep South Stand is remarkable. It was designed with the hope that it would generate an intimidating atmosphere, but no such noise was produced during the game on Saturday.

Like a lot of big clubs in the Premier League, Spurs have become a tourist attraction, which means there were hundreds of fans with tickets in that stand who did not contribute to the atmosphere.

That is their prerogative and 'tourist fans' are still valued fans, but local Tottenham season ticket holders have argued their South Stand should be a designated area for supporters looking to create noise.

The Stretford End is currently that stand within Old Trafford, and United should consider introducing a designated singing section to ensure an atmosphere can be created in the new 100,000-seater stadium.

I was fortunate enough to visit White Hart Lane before it was demolished. It was an ageing ground and Spurs were right to move on, but it could be intimidating for the opposition.

The Tottenham Hotspur stadium is not intimidating. It feels welcoming. United need to ensure they don't fall into the same trap.

Benjamin Sesko is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury during Manchester United's trip to Tottenham on Saturday

Manchester United might need to dip into the January transfer market to look for a new centre forward after Benjamin Sesko suffered a knee injury in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Tottenham.

Sesko was introduced from the bench in the 58th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he lasted just half an hour and was forced off the pitch after receiving treatment for a knee problem. United had to finish the game with 10 men because Ruben Amorim had used all of his substitutions.

United confirmed on Monday that Sesko will not report for international duty ahead of Slovenia's two World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo this Saturday and Sweden next Tuesday. The 23-year-old will instead remain at Carrington and continue to be assessed this week.

While sources have indicated that the injury is not thought to be a major issue, there is talk that United could venture into the market for another No.9 when the January transfer window opens.

If the Reds decide to look for a striker, one option that should be considered is Ivan Toney. The England international has been long linked with a move to Old Trafford but this could be the perfect time for him to join United.

Toney, 29, has spent the last 15 months out in Saudi Araba after joining Al-Ahli in August 2024. During his time in the Middle East, he has scored 41 goals and provided eight assists in 59 appearances.

With Toney netting 11 of those in 15 matches this season, it does feel as though he has some unfinished business in the Premier League, having previously shone for three years in the top flight at Brentford.

The ex-Northampton and Peterborough man bagged 36 goals in 83 top-tier games for the Bees between 2021 and 2024. He starred in a Brentford attack that also contained United forward Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo and Toney were teammates at the Gtech Community Stadium for four years and both helped establish the Bees as a Premier League club. They formed a dangerous partnership at the top end of the pitch, with Toney and Mbeumo scoring or assisting each other 16 times in that period.

Although Mbeumo is set to miss at least part of January due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), he could rekindle his special relationship with Toney at United when he returns. Even if Sesko's absence is not long-term, Toney would give United another dimension and option in attack, and also allow Joshua Zirkzee to leave the club after struggling for game time.

A front three of Mbeumo on the right, Toney through the middle and Matheus Cunha on the left could be devastating for United and Amorim during the second half of the season.

Toney is valued at around £40million and has two-and-a-half years left on his Al-Ahli contract. With the forward turning 30 in March, United could attempt to bring the price down and convince him to move.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

For the second weekend in a row Man United left it late to rescue a point.

None of the Manchester United players seemed to take much pleasure in the result at Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

So often a last-minute equaliser feels like a winner, but not on this occasion. United should have seen out the game against a side that looked bereft of confidence.

Instead, the pressure was allowed to build and Spurs made them pay. There was good fortune involved in Mathys Tel's goal but Richarlison's header was a bitter pill to swallow.

Matthijs de Ligt's equaliser was rightfully celebrated, and perhaps last season it may not have come. But the Dutchman's admission after the game is something which Ruben Amorim cannot choose to ignore.

"We were really compact, aggressive and made it difficult for them [in the first half]," De Ligt told MUTV. "And then in the second half, it felt like we were lacking a little bit of energy.

"That's something we have to look at because in the Premier League, you get punished for that. But we still kept it 0-0, and the last 15 minutes it felt like we were really tired and they kept on coming and coming.

"At some point, you know if they keep coming into the box, then it will be dangerous. That happened, but fair play to the team for coming back and drawing 2-2."

Speaking after the game, Patrick Dorgu agreed with De Ligt's assessment.

This season United are, of course, not in Europe and they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle, so they should be fitter and fresher than ever. Yet still the team are struggling to see out games. That will be of huge concern to Amorim.

Perhaps a little bit of fatigue has started to creep in due to the success Amorim has enjoyed with a more settled side in recent matches.

The constant chopping and changing last season was a result of underwhelming performances and the new manager not knowing what his best team was. While it was largely condemned as a sign of how bad United were, it also had the benefit of allowing the squad to be used more evenly across the course of the campaign.

In Amorim's first 12 games across all competitions for United, he started 23 different players. This season's opening 12 have seen just 21 different starters.

However, it must be taken into account that United made wholesale changes against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, which skews the figures slightly. In recent weeks, Amorim has kept the bulk of outfield players the same at the start of each match.

De Ligt, Senne Lammens, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are all guaranteed starters when fit and that is ultimately the core of the squad. While it is good to have that solid core, Amorim must know that rotation is the key to ensure that strength does not become a weakness.

United's players are playing fewer games but the same faces are being picked for consistency. This is where the lack of squad depth becomes an issue.

Amorim will have seen that United often become weaker this season when changes are made. At the beginning of the campaign, he spoke about being happy to work with a smaller squad due to the lack of European football but those words may be coming back to haunt him.

After the international break, Amorim needs to heed the warning from De Ligt. If he doesn't, it will start costing United more points.

Man Utd drew 2-2 with Tottenham in the Premier League after a late goal from Matthijs de Ligt to rescue a point.

Matthijs de Ligt feels Manchester United suffered from low energy levels in the second half against Tottenham.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring in the 32nd minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, carefully placing a header into the left corner following an intelligent cross from Amad.

Tottenham started the second half well and forced Senne Lammens into action. The Belgian international made two important saves and United appeared to have weathered the storm, but Spurs continued to push and found an equaliser through Mathys Tel with just six minutes remaining.

Richarlison scored during added time to make it 2-1 and thought he had won the game for Tottenham, but De Ligt scored in the dying seconds to rescue a point for United in London.

The Dutchman spoke to MUTV after the final whistle and explained what went wrong.

De Ligt said: "I think it's a little bit of mixed feelings. I think mixed because I'm quite happy we scored to make it 2-2 in the last minute, but also a little disappointed because I felt we could have won this game.

"Also, the way they scored two goals... Quite lucky, basically with two deflections, which is always a shame, but in the end 2-2 is always better than losing, so I'm happy with that."

De Ligt was asked about showing spirit, and said: "We did, especially in the first half, we showed that. We were really compact, aggressive and made it difficult for them.

"And then in the second half, it felt like we were lacking a little bit of energy. That's something we have to look at because in the Premier League, you get punished for that.

"But we still kept it 0-0, and the last 15 minutes it felt like we were really tired and they kept on coming and coming. At some point, you know if they keep coming into the box, then it will be dangerous. That happened, but fair play to the team for coming back and drawing 2-2.

"I'm happy to contribute to the team [with the goal] and happy that we at least got a draw today."

De Ligt was not included in the leadership group that was introduced in the summer, but Ruben Amorim said he leads by example when he spoke during his post-match press conference.

Amorim said of the decision: "We choose. Sometimes there are players who lead in the way they play, then there are players who have a different involvement in everything that happens in Carrington.

"I am just trying to put different styles in the leadership group. But in the end, everyone has to be a leader and to help each other. I think he is doing really well, really aggressive, is defending well. I think he has more quality with the ball than he is showing. He is still in the point of not wanting to make mistakes with the ball.

"He is doing that really well because that is a smart thing for a player. But when we reach a very good point, our three centre-backs will control the tempo and the quality of the game."

---

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Benjamin Sesko faces a spell on the sidelines with the Manchester United striker picking up an injury during Saturday's 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko was filmed limping out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Saturday's 2-2 draw in north London.

The Slovenian striker sustained an injury during the game against Spurs after being unable to continue beyond the 85th minute. He had come on just before the hour mark.

Sesko's setback has shifted the Reds' focus towards the January transfer window, with United potentially needing to sign a new attacker if he is sidelined for an extended period. In addition, United boss Ruben Amorim will be without Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui due to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next month.

At Saturday's post-match press conference, Amorim revealed that the injury was to Sesko's knee. "We have to check. He had something in his knee, let's see," he said.

"I have no idea. Because it's the knee, we never know.

"I'm more concerned with an injury because it's in the knee and I don't know. We need Ben to be a better team."

And footage has emerged on social media of the 22-year-old limping out of the stadium on Saturday. Following the draw, Slovenian outlets have suggested the initial indications are promising.

Sportklub have claimed that the forward has completed his first medical assessment on his knee discomfort and it has delivered an 'encouraging' result. The report indicates that the early signs are favourable, although an MRI scan is scheduled to follow for a more detailed analysis.

There will now be doubts over whether he will be fit enough to feature for United in their next fixture after the international break - a home clash against Everton on Monday, November 24 (8pm kick-off).

Sesko has scored two goals for United since his £73.7million move from RB Leipzig in the summer. The Slovenia international was wanted by Champions League side Newcastle but chose a move to Old Trafford instead.

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko was forced off the pitch with a knee injury during the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim refused to be drawn into questions surrounding the form of Benjamin Sesko following the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

After replacing Matheus Cunha in the 58th minute, Sesko had a couple of chances to score. However, the Slovenian was too slow to unleash his efforts and the chances went begging.

The final occasion proved to be the striker's last. After being fed through by Mason Mount, Sesko hesitated and before he knew it Micky van de Ven was bearing down on him, producing a challenge that not only scuppered his shot but also ended his afternoon early.

As Spurs broke down the other end of the pitch, Sesko remained on the ground and after being treated by medical staff, there was no alternative but to replace him. Sadly for Amorim, there were no options left after making all five substitutions.

So, United ended the match with ten men, conceded in injury time only for Matthijs de Ligt to save the day. When speaking to the media in his post-match press conference, Amorim could not be more clear on his focus surrounding Sesko.

"That [his recent form] is not the biggest concern now," he explained. "I'm concerned with an injury, because it is in the knee, and I don't know.

"We need Ben [Sesko] to be a better team. We have to check. He has something in his knee. Let's see."

Heading into the November international break means that Amorim has time to decide on what he will do should Sesko not be fit enough to start against Everton on November 24. MEN Sport believes there are three options to replace the forward and has taken a look at them below.

Strikerless option

Undoubtedly the most likely option Amorim will take is the strikerless system which he deployed against Spurs and at Liverpool previously too. Both systems suit Cunha as the 'false nine' essentially.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers front man has played in the centre-forward role previously at his old club and Amorim has used that versatility at United. On Saturday, there was plenty of hard work from the Brazilian but the end product was not there, which prompted the arrival of Sesko.

Perhaps more interestingly will be the decision Amorim takes in the No.10 roles. We have become accustomed to seeing Bryan Mbeumo on the right, Mount on the left and Amad sticking in the right wing-back position.

However, in north London, United chose to reintroduce Noussair Mazraoui at wing-back, moving Amad further forwards and pushing Mbeumo to the left. This did not mute the power of Mbeumo in the first half, he remained a threat but United were perhaps not as dangerous attacking with the more defensive-minded Mazraoui on the right.

This will be something for Amorim to consider should he adopt those selections again.

Zirkzee recall

Joshua Zirkzee finds himself firmly on the fringes of the first team at present. No wonder then that MEN Sport understands he will request a transfer by January.

The Dutchman's hopes of a call-up to his national team squad for the World Cup are fading by the week and the longer he spends on the bench, the worse it will get. Zirkzee has played just 90 minutes over five appearances this season and has been an unused substitute in all the other games.

However, an injury for Sesko could provide him with the opportunity to get those minutes he craves. Last season, Zirkzee showed he was capable of leading the line for United on his day.

He showed great mental strength to overcome a rocky introduction to the United fans and become a forward who fans were happy to see picked ahead of Rasmus Hojlund. The arrivals of Cunha and Mbeumo have scuppered him but those two have both looked better in the No.10 position.

Zirkzee will feel he has a shot at cementing his place in the squad in Sesko's absence. It all depends if Amorim is willing to trust him or not.

Obi opportunity

Before the match against Spurs, Amorim was clear on his thoughts on giving United's academy stars a chance. "We have that record, we are not going to break that record and Jack [Fletcher] is ready to help us," the Portuguese head coach told TNT Sport when asked about the midfielder's inclusion.

With Kobbie Mainoo out with a knock, United could have ended an 88-year record of always including at least one academy graduate in their matchday squad. That did not happen on Saturday but could Amorim take this a step further?

Chido Obi was called upon last season amidst United's poor striker form. The teenager has been given the chance to play with the academy this campaign which is of course the preferred option at 17.

But, if the desire to play Zirkzee is not there and the strikerless system is not working, Obi could be the man to benefit from an opportunity. Whether he is chosen from the start or not seems unlikely though.

Manchester United secured a draw at Tottenham Hotspur following Matthijs de Ligt's late header.

On the luxurious walk down to the mixed zone at the impressive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the assembled Manchester United and Tottenham media cohorts tried to make sense of the final ten minutes of the game.

United looked to be cruising to victory having rode the initial storm chucked at them by Spurs at the start of the second half. If you had told Patrick Dorgu and his teammates that they would go away with just one point - they would have been disappointed.

As it was, United came out thankful that it was not a defeat. Mathys Tel's deflected strike and Richarlison's flicked header seemed to have sealed the victory for Spurs and ended United's unbeaten run.

However, an exceptionally late Matthijs de Ligt header secured a point and kept United unbeaten since their loss to Brentford. As we waited in hope that we would hear from the United camp, two Tottenham workers headed into the United side of the tunnel with handfuls of champagne flutes.

Dorgu made it clear to The Manchester Evening News that the corks were not popping after rescuing a draw. "I think it was two lost as we were leading until ten minutes to go," the Danish defender explained.

"Obviously it was good to come back and show team spirit but we are disappointed in not winning the game." For United it was a case of deja vu.

At Nottingham Forest a week prior, United went into the break with a one-goal advantage, squandered it and then rescued it late on. Against Spurs, the result was further in the extremes but the pattern was all too familiar.

In his post-match comments to TNT Sport, De Ligt admitted that United were tired in the second half and this was a sentiment Dorgu could agree with. "Yeah, I think it was a tough game for everyone," he explained.

"Obviously they play very direct so it was hard for the defenders to always track runs. It was a competitive game."

Having earned another point, United now head into the latest international break in better spirits than they were just a month ago. While the Sunderland victory was welcomed, it was hard to tell if that was the exception to the rule or not.

In the end, it was the start of a good run which continues into November. Reflecting on the mood in the camp going into that break, Dorgu was keen to stress that spirits remain high for United and their players.

"We are unbeaten in five games so we are still feeling good," Dorgu concluded. "We are not losing games so, now, we need to just keep bouncing back and get the next one after the internationals."

If United are to thoroughly turn the corner, their next game is one that they need to be winning. Everton have won just once on their travels this season and sit comfortably in mid-table.

The Toffees await Dorgu and Co. on Monday, November 24.

Manchester United rescued a draw in the final moments of their clash against Tottenham on Saturday but one star has been critiqued by a Premier League icon

Alan Shearer thinks one Manchester United player had "no clue" against Tottenham. Ruben Amorim's side let a 1-0 lead slip and drew 2-2 in London.

Bryan Mbeumo handed United a first-half lead on Saturday and it took Spurs until the 84th minute to respond as Mathys Tel equalised. Richarlison looked to have secured all three points for the hosts in added time before Matthijs de Ligt's last-gasp header.

Despite some promising performances within the United ranks, former Newcastle and England striker Shearer thinks one sharpshooter in particular was underwhelming in the Premier League stalemate.

Benjamin Sesko was dropped by Amorim from the starting XI in north London but was brought on in the 58th minute. Though he failed to make any lasting impression.

The 22-year-old Slovenian, who arrived at Old Trafford for £74million this summer, squandered an opportunity in the 85th minute before he went off with a knee injury.

Shearer believes that Sesko had a dismal cameo at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and that he should have tucked away one of the two great chances that fell his direction.

"Sesko struggled again," admitted Shearer on Match of the Day. "He's only scored twice in his 12 appearances and he came on today with just over half an hour to go.

"He had two really, really good chances and should have scored, to be honest. They worked it really well for him to get in the first time. He's either got to get his shot away early or he's got to push that ball forward quicker. He's not going to get that amount of time in the Premier League to work it back on his right foot."

Shearer then specifically discussed the brilliant chance Sesko failed to convert just before he came off with his injury, when Tottenham's Micky van de Ven got back to tackle him.

"This one [the 85th-minute chance] is the bigger puzzle for me," continued Shearer. "I know he's struggling for confidence but any centre-forward knows you cannot allow the centre-half to come back at you.

"You've got to get across Van de Ven. By that time he should have a picture in his head of where the keeper is and what he wants to do. I don't think he has a clue what he wants to do because I don't even think he even knows Van de Ven is there and chasing him. I know he's struggling with confidence but it's a big 'must do better'.

"No one likes to see him coming off injured and we hope his knee is okay but they are two chances you'd expect at that level that someone has to put away."

Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.