Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Benjamin Sesko’s absence from the pre-season summer tour so far has led Michael Carrick to turn to Bryan Mbeumo as Manchester United’s main forward option.
Bryan Mbeumo has led the frontline for the Red Devils during the pre-season campaign and has featured in all three of Manchester United’s matches so far.
The 26-year-old Cameroon international netted a superb second-half brace to seal Man Utd’s 2-1 comeback win over La Liga side Atletico Madrid at the weekend.
Michael Carrick has mainly alternated between Joshua Zirkzee and Mbeumo amid Benjamin Sesko remaining behind at Carrington to overcome an injury setback.
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Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United on the pitch before the Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2025 in London, England.
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Matheus Cunha’s World Cup exploits offer room for Michael Carrick to ‘test the waters’ with him as a forward
Matheus Cunha was one of the four latest Manchester United first-team players to return to training on Monday ahead of the Paris Saint-Germain match this weekend.
The 27-year-old Brazilian forward represented Brazil at this summer’s World Cup — his first major international tournament — and impressed for his country.
Matheus Cunha found the back of the net three times in five matches before Brazil were knocked out of the competition at the hands of Norway in the last 16.
Matheus Cunha’s World Cup stats with Brazil:
Carlo Ancelotti, unlike Michael Carrick, has relied on the former Wolves ace to be a centre-forward or striker for the Brazil national team during his reign.
All five of Cunha’s World Cup appearances saw him play centrally and receive support from Brazil’s other wingers like Vinicius Junior, Gabriel Martinelli and Rayan.
Carrick has deployed Cunha out on the left wing during his interim managerial reign last season, but the United manager should now consider experimenting with him.
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If Matheus Cunha can play as a Man Utd forward, it would be a major benefit for Michael Carrick next season
It remains to be seen if Man Utd actually manage to bring another forward option to Old Trafford before the summer transfer window shuts in September.
Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move away this summer and there is still uncertainty around Benjamin Sesko’s recovery from his shin-related problems.
Bryan Mbeumo is capable of playing as a centre-forward and did impress early in Carrick’s reign, but even his purple patch did not last forever last season.
It would make sense to explore Cunha as a potential third or fourth option for playing as a forward if Ineos do not make another signing this summer.