Man Utd’s Carrick under fire as star says his call kills striker
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is being accused by a long‑serving United star from the Fergie era of sabotaging one of his best players with a weekly wrong call, a claim that has ignited fresh criticism amid the club’s shaky start to the campaign.
Dire start in Premier League and Cup
United have managed only a single win in the Premier League so far this season. They were also dumped out of the League Cup after surrendering a two‑goal lead to Brighton on home ground. Moreover, the side has failed to keep a clean sheet against any English opposition.
Speculation that Carrick’s job is under threat has proved unfounded, with owners INEOS publicly reaffirming their full backing. Nevertheless, former United stalwart Nicky Butt has not shied away from taking a swipe at the boss.
Butt slams Cunha as a nine
Speaking on a football podcast, Butt – a 387‑appearance, six‑title veteran – lambasted Carrick’s insistence on using Matheus Cunha as a centre‑forward.
“Playing Cunha as a nine – it kills him, he’s not a nine. He’s nowhere near the player he is when he’s playing off the side. We haven’t got a number nine other than Benjamin Sesko. Zirkzee doesn’t look anywhere near a Man United number nine. How can Man United have one centre forward that they can rely on?”
Since the season began, Cunha has started as the central striker in all five Premier League matches, scoring once and providing two assists. His contribution has been modest compared with the expectations placed on a No 9.
Antonio Conte tops race to replace Michael Carrick as INEOS acts
Benjamin Sesko, the obvious alternative, has been limited by a persistent shin problem, featuring off the bench four times and missing the Fulham clash entirely. His fitness concerns have left Carrick without a clear first‑choice centre‑forward.
Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford sit further down the pecking order, although Rashford’s preferred role remains on the left wing. Zirkzee’s performances have offered little to convince Carrick of his suitability as a starter.
The combination of Sesko’s injury and Zirkzee’s underwhelming displays leaves Carrick stuck between a rock and a hard place. Until the Slovenian is fully fit, the manager’s options remain limited.
Conte at the centre of Manchester United if Carrick quits
When Sesko returns, Cunha could rotate with Rashford on the left, while Bruno Fernandes retains the No 10 role and Amad Diallo, once fully fit, battles Bryan Mbeumo for the right‑wing spot. MAN UTD supporters will be watching closely to see whether the reshuffle eases the striker dilemma.