Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks dejected after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks dejected after the match
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called for Michael Carrick to drop Matheus Cunha following the 2-2 draw against Everton at the weekend.
Carrick's side appeared as though they were going to sneak a win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but it wasn't to be, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles firing home a dramatic late equaliser from distance on his debut.
As such, the Red Devils sit 11th in the Premier League table after their opening three matches, having taken four points, but the manager doesn't believe the overall performances have been too concerning.
However, a record of one win, one draw and one defeat, despite facing two newly-promoted sides, isn't much to gloat about, and doesn't stand United in good stead heading into some tougher Premier League matches over the course of the coming weeks.
Man Utd's upcoming Premier League fixtures Date
Man City (h) September 13th
Fulham (a) September 20th
Tottenham (h) October 10th
Leeds (a) October 18th
AFC Bournemouth (h) October 25th
Paul Scholes calls for Michael Carrick to drop Matheus Cunha
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In quotes relayed by The Metro, Scholes has now called for Carrick to drop Cunha in favour of Benjamin Sesko, who fired home what he was hoping would be the winner in the 88th minute, after being brought on as a substitute at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The United legend said: "I felt it was really timid against Everton. There was no aggression and Everton were there for the taking. There was so much space and they never went for the throat. The centre forward position is a bit of an issue because he is not playing Sesko.
"He is a focal point. It is very difficult to watch a Manchester United team without a centre forward. With Cunha, we don’t really know what he is, a no10 or a wide player but he’s definitely not a no9 and watching United without a no9 is a struggle."
Indeed, it could be time for Sesko to be re-introduced into the starting XI, having had a decent debut season with United, all things considered, picking up 11 goals and one assist in 30 Premier League appearances.
Cunha, on the other hand, is yet to score in three Premier League outings this term, and struggled against the Toffees, recording a xG of just 0.12 before being replaced by Sesko on the 70-minute mark, after failing to get a shot on target throughout the entire match.
Next up is a Champions League tie against Sabah on Thursday night, with Carrick expected to rotate heavily, considering it is the Azerbaijani side's first-ever campaign in the competition.
Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates
Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates