Michael Carrick trusted Matheus Cunha to lead the line as a false nine against Manchester City, while Benjamin Šeško, United’s natural centre-forward, started the game on the bench. The decision immediately raised eyebrows, especially considering the type of match United were facing.
Cunha is undoubtedly a talented footballer. His ability to drop between the lines, combine with Bruno Fernandes and create space for runners is valuable. But there is a major problem: when United need someone occupying the centre-backs, attacking crosses and giving the team a genuine penalty-box presence, Cunha simply isn’t the same profile as Šeško. 🔥
And that became painfully obvious.
United eventually found themselves playing against a Manchester City side reduced to 10 men for more than an hour, yet the Red Devils struggled to turn their numerical advantage into sustained attacking pressure. City sat deeper, defended their box and challenged United to find a way through. United needed a focal point. They needed someone who could pin defenders, attack crosses and give Bruno Fernandes and the wide players a clear target.
That is exactly where Šeško comes into the conversation. 💥
The Slovenian striker provides something Cunha cannot naturally replicate: height, physicality, pace in behind and a genuine No.9 presence. United’s wide players are capable of delivering dangerous balls into the box, but those deliveries become far more threatening when there is a 6ft-plus striker attacking them.
Šeško had already given Carrick a reminder of what he can offer when he came off the bench against Everton and scored a late goal. That performance only intensified calls for him to start the derby.
Instead, United persisted with Cunha centrally.
And the attack looked toothless for long periods. 😬
The irony is that Cunha could arguably be more dangerous behind a proper striker. Imagine Cunha operating between the lines while Šeško occupies the centre-backs, Rashford attacks from the left and Mbeumo stretches the opposite side. Suddenly, defenders have multiple problems to solve.
With Cunha acting as the false nine, United risk having too many players wanting the ball to feet and not enough players attacking the space behind the defence.
That was especially frustrating against 10-man City.
Even after Phil Foden’s dismissal, United couldn’t consistently exploit their numerical advantage and eventually conceded to Erling Haaland. The final score: Manchester United 0-1 Manchester City.
This isn’t about saying Cunha is a bad player.
It’s about using players in their strongest positions. 🔴
Cunha can be the creator. Cunha can drift. Cunha can combine.
But Šeško can be the striker.
And when you have a natural No.9 sitting on the bench while your team desperately needs a goal, fans are understandably going to ask one simple question:
Why start the false nine when you have a proper nine? 😳🔥
