Hojlund back to Man Utd? Recall rules explained after Benjamin Sesko injury blow

Benjamin Sesko was forced off with a knee injury in Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Tottenham, and the Red Devils may need to sign a new forward in January

Manchester United could be compelled to dive into the January transfer market for attacking reinforcements following Benjamin Sesko's concerning knock sustained during Saturday's 2-2 draw – but are their hands tied regarding Rasmus Hojlund's return from his Napoli stint?

Forward Sesko entered the fray from the substitutes' bench in the 58th minute against Tottenham, yet endured merely thirty minutes on the pitch. The striker was withdrawn after a tackle from Micky van de Ven whilst bearing down on goal.

Following medical attention for a knee problem, Sesko made his way directly towards the tunnel. Thankfully, Ruben Amorim's side salvaged a point courtesy of Matthijs de Ligt's dramatic late leveller.

"We have to check," Amorim said when asked about the injury. "He had something in his knee, let's see."

When questioned whether it represented a serious setback, the Portuguese manager added: "I have no idea. Because it's the knee, we never know."

Hojlund remains contracted to United, with the Denmark striker currently on loan at Napoli in Italy. The 22-year- old has netted four times in nine outings for the Serie A title holders.

The Manchester Evening News suggest that Napoli possess an option to secure Hojlund permanently for £38million when the campaign concludes.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that the temporary deal features an option which could transform into an obligation, though those connected to the arrangement consider it 'guaranteed' should they secure Champions League qualification.

This means United have no recall clause available should they opt to engineer his return to Old Trafford during January.

Prior to the Spurs clash, rumours had suggested United were eyeing a new striker to provide competition for Sesko during the campaign's latter stages.

Joshua Zirkzee found himself on the substitutes' bench once more, with reports emerging over recent weeks of a potential return to Italy.

"We have to check everything, we have to check what has happened with Ben," Amorim said when questioned about United's transfer plans. "Of course, we are going to have a problem there [with AFCON], but we already knew.

"Then you can prepare that in the summer, but then you have a lot of players in the summer who are not going to play because it's one game per week. So the management of that situation is going to be hard.

"But let's see when the window is open, if we can improve the team and try to prepare something that happened. Until then, we have to take the chance."