Manchester United face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday - but one of Michael Carrick's biggest problems does not need solving
Michael Carrick does not need to solve a big Manchester United issue for at least another week
Michael Carrick does not need to solve a big Manchester United issue for at least another week(Image: (Photo by Zohaib Alam/Manchester United via Getty Images))
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Benjamin Sesko has forced Michael Carrick into a big Manchester United decision for this weekend's clash against local rivals Manchester City. The Slovenian striker scored off the bench in the final minutes against Everton, but his side were unable to hang on for all three points.
United's defensive issues have been clear since the 2026/27 season started, but even an elite defence will concede against Erling Haaland and Co, and that is why there are more important team selection decisions elsewhere to be made for the upcoming Manchester derby.
Amad's injury and Sesko's lack of match fitness have led Carrick to deploy Matheus Cunha as the striker. The Brazilian is more than capable of filling that role, but he prefers coming in from the left and operating in the half spaces.
Marcus Rashford is currently occupying his role from last season with Bryan Mbeumo, who played up front against City earlier this year, on the opposite flank. The latter was far more suited to the position, as he would sit on the last line, but Cunha wants to drop deeper to pick up the ball.
Despite scoring seven goals in three games, this has negatively impacted United going forward because he and Bruno Fernandes frequently occupy similar areas of the pitch, which in turn forces the latter to drop even further back.
That did not necessarily stop him from scoring a hat-trick against Ipswich Town, but that game opened up massively once they went behind to a penalty and a fortunate own goal.
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Sesko scoring and getting more minutes places him in a great spot to make his first start of the season against Enzo Maresca's side, but this is perhaps one of only a few games where it makes more sense to keep Cunha up front.
City will undoubtedly have more of the ball, meaning United will need to be patient and spark counter-attacks, exactly like they did in the 2-0 win at Old Trafford earlier this year. Cunha is arguably the perfect player for that game plan.
His ability to win fouls and vision for a pass will help release players like Mbeumo and Rashford; the latter is likely to be United's outlet given his pace in behind.
Cunha will also help stifle City in their attempts to build through midfield, which could give United an extra man in that area of the pitch and force their visitors to go wide.
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United
Matheus Cunha should remain as Manchester United's central striker against Man City
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Obviously, City will have no problem doing that, particularly considering that Haaland has already scored three headers this season, but it will limit their avenues for attack.
If United are able to either go in front, there may not be a need for Sesko, but there is certainly no one better to call on than the 23-year-old when searching for a goal. He has scored five times as a substitute since joining and could exploit City's shaky defence late in the game.
Carrick will likely provide us with an idea of his thinking for Sunday's derby courtesy of the XI he picks to face Sabah in the Champions League this evening. Starting Sesko over City makes more sense given the differing opponent styles and the fitness he is still building.
United have beaten a number of fellow big six teams since Carrick took over, and Cunha has contributed a goal in all of those wins. Goals against Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool followed an assist in the win over City, which is further proof he should keep his place ahead of Sesko this weekend.