Photo by MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images
Manchester United fans have seen five matches across all competitions this season and I think that Michael Carrick’s attacking setup has been a key talking point.
We have seen Manchester United score 11 times in their opening five matches, both in the Premier League and the Champions League, of the 2026-27 campaign so far.
However, I can see that Michael Carrick is still experimenting with his attacking line-up, especially when Benjamin Sesko is not the focal attacking point for United.
With that said, United In Focus has now settled on what Carrick’s front four for United should look like, including who needs to be dropped as a result.
READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko vs Man City has left Man Utd fans to send same demand to Michael Carrick over his ‘logic’
Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester United and Sabah FC at Old Trafford on September 10, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
1. Bruno Fernandes (No 10)
Not only is he Manchester United’s captain, but I also don’t think there is another Red Devils first-team player who comes close to matching Bruno Fernandes’ influence.
The No 10 position is the easiest to resolve and I feel that the conversation starts and ends with Bruno Fernandes’ name being on the team sheet for United.
READ MORE: Kobbie Mainoo received bigger benefit from Phil Foden’s sending off than any other Man Utd player, despite defeat
2. Bryan Mbeumo (right wing)
With Amad Diallo out of action due to an injury, I think this settles the debate around Bryan Mbeumo starting on the right wing over any other Man Utd star.
There is no chance that Shea Lacey is ready to start ahead of Bryan Mbeumo and I believe the latter is still one of the Red Devils’ best attacking threats on his day.
3. Benjamin Sesko (striker)
I feel that it made perfect sense for Michael Carrick to ease Benjamin Sesko back into action after the 23-year-old Slovenian forward missed pre-season in the summer.
But I have seen enough after the opening five matches of the campaign to know that Benjamin Sesko is fully ready to lead the frontline again for Man Utd going forward.
READ MORE: Gary Neville says Michael Carrick can be ‘angry,’ despite ‘quite clear’ mistake Man Utd boss made vs Man City
Getty Images
4. Matheus Cunha (left wing)
I think Matheus Cunha must return to his role out on the left instead of playing down the centre under Carrick, as he lacks what striker Benjamin Sesko offers.
I still feel that Matheus Cunha is United’s best option for a creative influence from the left-winger position and will shine the more he plays in the position this season.
READ MORE: Roy Keane cannot unsee Man Utd’s ‘constant problem’ under Michael Carrick after 1-0 Man City defeat
5. Marcus Rashford (bench/impact sub)
As Sesko must lead the United frontline, it immediately boils down to a Marcus Rashford vs Matheus Cunha debate for who starts on the left wing this season.
I do think that Marcus Rashford has done well for United since his reintegration into the squad, but I feel that Cunha brings more to the table in the attacking dynamic.