LONDON – Ruben Amorim has raised concerns that Benjamin Cisco could face a lengthy injury layoff after Manchester United’s £74 million ($97 million) striker exited the 2-2 draw against Tottenham with a knee problem.
Cisco, who came on as a substitute in the 58th minute against Thomas Frank’s team, left the field in the 88th minute after falling injured as a result of a challenge from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.
The Slovenian international was able to walk off the field after treatment, but when asked about Sisko’s condition after the match, United manager Amorim said he was concerned about the extent of the injury.
“We have to check,” Amorim told reporters. “He’s got something in his knee, so let’s see. We think he’s got a problem.”
When asked specifically if Cisco could face an extended period out of the team due to injury, Amorim was unable to offer a positive assessment.
“It’s the knee and we never know,” he said. “I think (Cisco’s level) is not the biggest concern right now. I’m more concerned about the injury because it’s in the knee and I don’t know (how serious it is).”
With United set to lose strikers Amad Diallo and Brian Mbomou to the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast and Cameroon respectively next month – Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui will also play in the tournament – and Amorim admitted the club may have to add more to the squad in January, especially if Cisco is sidelined.
“We have to check everything,” Amorim said. “We have to check what happened with Ben, but of course we will have a problem there (with the Africa Cup of Nations players) – we knew that already, so you can prepare for that in the summer.”
“Managing this situation will be difficult, but let’s see when the window is open, and if we can improve the team and try to fix something. We have to seize the opportunity.”
United remain in contention for Champions League qualification after extending their unbeaten run in the Premier League to five games, but the Amorim side have drawn their last two away games, albeit by scoring late equalizers against Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
– Manchester United vs. Tottenham Another roller coaster of emotions for the fans
– Ruben Amorim explains why Manchester United have kept their academy record alive
– Transfer rumours and news: Manchester United and Arsenal eyeing ‘the next crossover’
But Amorim said United could and should have beaten Tottenham by showing more “courage”.
He said: “We have a lot of problems and we are beginning to improve, but we must do better, be more aggressive and feel the atmosphere on the field.”
“The three points were there. We controlled the game well, but we have to do better.
“When you can’t win, you don’t lose, we did it again. We have a lot to grow as a team, because today was our day to win this game.
He added: “We have to look at ourselves. We were not pressing as hard. We felt comfortable, but we have to understand that if we had more courage, we would kill the match.”
