Paul Scholes has launched a fierce critique of Michael Carrick's tactical approach ahead of Manchester United's crucial Manchester derby against City, calling the team "difficult to watch" without a proper striker leading the line. The United legend is demanding that Benjamin Sesko replace Matheus Cunha in the starting XI for the high-stakes encounter at Old Trafford.
Sesko's Absence Creates Tactical Problems
Sesko has yet to feature in United's starting lineup this season after a shin injury forced him to miss the entire pre-season. In his absence, Carrick deployed Cunha as the primary centre forward across three opening league matches against Hull City, Ipswich Town, and Everton. While Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford have impressed on the wings, United's central attacking threat has noticeably weakened. Cunha, a summer arrival from Wolverhampton, spent most of last season operating on the left flank, raising serious questions about his ability to function as a traditional number nine.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad, and The Football, Scholes articulated his frustration with United's recent performances. "I felt it was really timid against Everton," the former midfielder explained. "There was no aggression and Everton were there for the taking. There was so much space and they never went for the throat." He specifically targeted the absence of a recognised striker as the core issue undermining Carrick's setup.
Statistical Evidence and Match Impact
Sesko demonstrated his value with a brilliant header from a Luke Shaw cross during the Everton match, though United could only secure a draw after an Ainsley Maitland-Niles equaliser. Last season, Sesko averaged a goal every 85 minutes under Carrick—a striking rate that highlights his importance to United's attacking efficiency. Scholes emphasised this void: "With Cunha, we don't really know what he is—a number 10 or a wide player—but he's definitely not a number 9, and watching United without a proper centre forward is a struggle."
United's position remains precarious ahead of the derby. The Red Devils have accumulated just four points from nine available in their opening three Premier League fixtures, whilst Enzo Maresca's Manchester City arrive unbeaten with three consecutive victories. A midweek Champions League tie against Azerbaijani side Sabah FK on Thursday offers Sesko a chance to build match fitness and make his case for inclusion. Should he deliver a strong performance in Europe, Carrick may finally restore him to the Premier League setup for City's visit—a move that could prove decisive in United's bid to derail their rivals' momentum.
