Michael Carrick could have a fascinating selection headache on his hands at Manchester United, with Marcus Rashford and Matheus Cunha both capable of causing serious damage from the left side of the attack. 👀🔥
The dilemma is becoming even more interesting because United’s attacking setup is still developing. Carrick has been experimenting with a fluid front four involving Rashford, Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes, but getting every player into his most dangerous position remains a major tactical challenge.
And if the latest performances are anything to go by, there is a strong argument for giving Rashford the left flank. The England international was particularly lively against Everton, combining impressively with Luke Shaw and repeatedly threatening down United’s left side. Carrick himself highlighted the understanding between the pair after the match.
🚀 RASHFORD ON THE LEFT JUST MAKES SENSE!
That is where Rashford has traditionally looked most comfortable. Starting wide gives him room to attack defenders, use his pace, cut inside onto his stronger right foot and make those dangerous runs behind the defence.
Against Everton, those qualities were visible again. Rashford looked dangerous whenever he received the ball with space, while his connection with Shaw gave United another attacking outlet. 🔥
But then there is Matheus Cunha. 🇧🇷✨
The Brazilian is a completely different type of attacking weapon. Rather than simply staying wide, Cunha likes to drift inside, operate between the lines and look for pockets of space where he can combine with teammates.
Carrick has already experimented with Cunha in a more central, false-nine role, giving him freedom to roam and create problems. However, that approach can also leave United without a consistent player threatening the opposition’s defensive line.
And that is where Benjamin Šeško becomes another important piece of the puzzle. 👀
The striker’s introduction against Everton gave United a more traditional focal point, and his headed goal demonstrated the value of having a powerful forward attacking the box. It raises the possibility that Carrick could use Cunha behind or around Šeško while allowing Rashford to remain on the left.
💥 Imagine this attacking setup:
🔴 Rashford cutting in from the left
🔥 Cunha operating centrally and drifting between the lines
⚡ Mbeumo attacking from the right
🎯 Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings
💪 Šeško occupying defenders inside the box
That could give United pace, creativity, movement and a genuine focal point all at once.
The bigger challenge for Carrick is making sure the players understand their roles. United’s current attacking group has plenty of individual quality, but the combinations are still developing. Too much positional overlap could make the attack predictable, while the right balance could turn this group into a nightmare for Premier League defences.
There is also encouraging news regarding Rashford after he was substituted against Everton. Carrick described the issue as nothing major, meaning the winger’s availability should not necessarily become another problem for the manager.
So perhaps the answer is staring Carrick right in the face:
RASHFORD OWNS THE LEFT. 🔴🔥
CUNHA GETS FREEDOM TO ROAM. 🇧🇷🔥
ŠEŠKO PROVIDES THE FIREPOWER. 🎯
If Carrick can make those pieces click, United could have an attack capable of causing serious problems this season. 😮💨🔴
Now the debate is yours…
👇 WHO SHOULD START ON THE LEFT?
🔴 MARCUS RASHFORD
🔥 MATHEUS CUNHA
