If Michael Carrick is determined to keep Marcus Rashford in Manchester United’s starting XI, then perhaps the solution is staring him right in the face: stop forcing Rashford and Matheus Cunha into roles that don’t maximise both players. 🎯
The current setup has created plenty of debate. Rashford has largely operated from the left, while Cunha has been asked to lead the line. But United’s attack has not consistently clicked, and the 1-1 draw with Fulham only added more fuel to the tactical discussion. Cunha eventually rescued a point with a late deflected equaliser, but United struggled to turn their attacking volume into clear chances.
So why not make a bold adjustment? 👀🔥
⚡ RASHFORD THROUGH THE MIDDLE
If Rashford has to start, put him where his pace can directly threaten the opposition centre-backs.
Instead of asking him to hug the left touchline, allow him to attack the space between the defenders, run beyond the back line and stretch teams vertically. Rashford has the acceleration to turn a single pass from Bruno Fernandes into a one-on-one situation. 🚀
And there is another major benefit…
🔥 CUNHA BACK ON THE LEFT
Cunha has already shown that he can be extremely dangerous when starting from the left and drifting inside.
United’s current use of Cunha as a false nine has been part of Carrick’s tactical approach, but analysis of United’s attack has pointed out that the setup can leave the team without a natural player consistently threatening the opposition’s final defensive line.
Cunha cutting inside from the left could give United another creative outlet while Bruno operates centrally. 🎩🇧🇷
Then you have Bryan Mbeumo on the right, giving United pace and directness on both flanks.
Suddenly, the front line looks much more natural:
🔥 Cunha — Rashford — Mbeumo
🎩 Bruno Fernandes behind them
That is a frightening amount of pace, creativity and unpredictability if everyone is firing.
🧱 THEN BRING IN BALEBA
And this is where the midfield could become even more interesting.
Carlos Baleba was finally on the bench against Fulham after working his way back from an ankle problem, giving Carrick another midfield option.
The Cameroon international brings something different to Youri Tielemans: power, athleticism, aggression and defensive coverage. United paid up to £70m for Baleba, and his physical qualities were specifically highlighted when the club’s midfield options were assessed earlier this month.
That could allow United to build a midfield with more protection behind Bruno.
Instead of asking Bruno to constantly compensate for the midfield, give him freedom to operate between the lines. Let Baleba cover ground, win duels and protect the defence while the creative players concentrate on hurting the opposition. 💪🔥
🚨 THE BIG QUESTION FOR CARRICK
United have plenty of individual quality. The bigger challenge is getting the pieces to fit together as a team.
Rashford wants to play. Cunha needs to be put in a position where he can influence games. Bruno needs freedom. Mbeumo needs space. And Baleba could provide the physical presence the midfield has sometimes lacked.
After United managed only five points from their opening five Premier League matches and needed a late Cunha goal to rescue a point at Fulham, tactical changes are inevitably going to attract attention.
Maybe Carrick doesn’t need to drop Rashford.
Maybe he needs to move him. 👀
Rashford through the middle. 🎯
Cunha back on the left. 🔥
Mbeumo on the right. ⚡
Baleba providing the midfield steel. 🧱
Bruno pulling the strings. 🎩
That could give Manchester United a completely different balance. 🔴🔥
The question is: will Carrick have the courage to change the formula? 👀
