Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has urged manager Michael Carrick to make two major changes to his attacking setup.
The Red Devils have looked disjointed in the final third this season, making their struggles particularly surprising after the attacking success they enjoyed last term.
Rooney believes Carrick should move Matheus Cunha back to the left wing, where he can make better use of his strengths.
He said (via Stick To United): “For me, when Marcus is substituted and Cunha goes to the left, he looks better. He could still come inside but then receive the ball and face the defenders.
“Playing with your back to the goal is so difficult as a number nine. Cunha’s best attribute is to run with the ball and try to play people through.
“I would have changed a few weeks ago with Cunha on the left. I would rather have Rashford as a nine than Cunha.
Rooney has also called for Marcus Rashford to be dropped from the starting XI in favour of Joshua Zirkzee.
The former United captain said: “Zirkzee is technically a very good player.
“There are other things around his game where he is not so good. I get frustrated just like the fans with his flicking.
“I would say to him, you are going to start but if I see you flicking the ball once, you are coming off. The players need to be more accountable.”
World Cup could have influenced Michael Carrick
Cunha operated as a left winger under Carrick last season and, although he initially struggled to influence games from that position, he soon adapted and finished the campaign strongly.
The Brazilian scored 10 Premier League goals, finishing behind only Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko (11 goals each).
Cunha led the line for Brazil at the FIFA World Cup and played a crucial role in their attacking setup.
Those performances may have influenced Carrick’s decision to experiment with Cunha as a number nine, particularly after Rashford returned to Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old struggled as a centre-forward when Carrick was part of the coaching staff under Jose Mourinho.
The United head coach may have wanted to give Rashford the best possible platform to rediscover his form, pushing him back onto the left wing and moving Cunha centrally.
However, seven games into the season, the experiment has yet to deliver the desired results.
Stats from Fotmob.com