Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces mounting pressure ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby as former midfielder Paul Scholes criticized the team’s tactical approach and urged the inclusion of striker Benjamin Sesko.
Scholes Slams Timid Display and Demands No. 9 Start
Speaking on the podcast The Good, The Bad, and The Football, Paul Scholes heavily criticized Manchester United’s recent performance following a 1-1 draw against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Ainsley Maitland-Niles secured a late equalizer. Scholes expressed frustration over a lack of aggression and a tactical setup that failed to utilize a recognized center forward, pointing directly at Carrick’s team selection.
“I felt it was really timid against Everton,” Scholes stated, as reported by Metro and Yahoo Sports. “There was no aggression and Everton were there for the taking. There was so much space and they never went for the throat.”
Scholes added that watching the team without a focal point is a struggle, noting that Matheus Cunha—who has led the line against Hull City, Ipswich Town, and Everton—is unsuited to the role. “With Cunha, we don’t really know what he is, a No.10 or a wide player, but he’s definitely not a No.9 and watching United without a No.9 is a struggle,” Scholes said.
Benjamin Sesko’s Fitness and Derby Stakes
Benjamin Sesko is yet to make a starting appearance for Manchester United this season due to a shin injury that sidelined him for the entire pre-season campaign. Despite his limited minutes off the bench, Sesko demonstrated his value against Everton by meeting a cross from Luke Shaw with a header. According to Metro and Yahoo Sports, the Slovenia international averaged a goal every 85 minutes under Carrick last season.
Carrick’s side must first navigate a midweek UEFA Champions League fixture against Azerbaijani outfit Sabah FK at Old Trafford on Thursday. That continental tie provides an opportunity for Sesko to build match fitness and potentially stake a claim for a starting berth against Manchester City on Sunday, as United seek to halt their rivals’ early-season momentum.