Mbeumo Shines as United Draws with Spurs Amid Injury Concerns

Bryan Mbeumo put United ahead with a header on the half-hour mark after the Manchester team weathered an early storm from Tottenham. After halftime, Spurs intensified their efforts for an equalizer, which came late in the game when Mathys Tel’s shot deflected past Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

In injury time of the second half, Richarlison believed he had clinched victory for Spurs as he inadvertently headed Wilson Odobert’s effort into the net. However, United responded swiftly, with Matthijs de Ligt rising to meet a late corner from Bruno Fernandes and heading it past Guglielmo Vicario, securing a draw.

Unfortunately, Sesko did not finish the match due to a knee injury sustained after Tel’s equalizer. The former RB Leipzig player, who had been brought on in the 58th minute, had a crucial opportunity to restore United’s lead shortly after the equalizer but was thwarted by a remarkable last-ditch challenge from Micky van de Ven. As a consequence of the challenge, Sesko limped off the pitch in the dying moments of the match, leaving United with only ten players as they had already utilized all five substitutions.

Post-match, manager Amorim addressed questions about Sesko’s performance, noting that the striker had scored only two goals in 11 league appearances since his arrival from RB Leipzig. However, Amorim’s primary concern was Sesko’s injury. “That is not the biggest concern now. That happens, especially with a striker. I am more concerned with an injury because it’s in the knee; we need to assess the situation further,” he stated.

When asked about the possibility of making a January signing in light of Sesko’s injury, especially with anticipated absences for both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo due to the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim replied, “We have to evaluate everything regarding Ben’s condition. When the transfer window opens, we will consider how to improve the team and address any issues. Until then, we must seize our opportunities.”

Mbeumo and Diallo had combined for the opening goal, with Diallo assisting Mbeumo, who was recently named the Premier League Player of the Month for October. His goal against Spurs marked his fourth in the last four league matches.

This season, United has been relatively fortunate with injuries, with only Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo unavailable ahead of Saturday’s match against Spurs. Martinez has been sidelined since February due to an ACL injury but is expected to return later this month. Mainoo missed the game due to a minor injury but has not been a regular starter this season, finding himself behind Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte in the midfield hierarchy.

Speculation regarding a January exit for Mainoo has surfaced, with Napoli being mentioned as a potential destination for the 20-year-old, where he could reunite with former United players Scott McTominay, Rasmus Hojlund, and Romelu Lukaku.