EXCLUSIVE
Manchester United's Matheus Cunha

Michael Carrick has been urged to start Benjamin Sesko and move Matheus Cunha back on the wing.

That's the view of talkSPORT's Angelina Kelly after Manchester United were beaten 1-0 in the Manchester derby

Matheus Cunha for Manchester United.
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Cunha has been the assumed striker after Amad Diallo and Sesko were sidelinedCredit: Getty

Slovenia international Sesko made his return to the starting XI in the Champions League clash against Sabah following a spell on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old worked his way back to fitness following a shin injury and scored in the 4-0 victory.

The forward is yet to start in the Premier League this season, scoring once off the bench against Everton.

Meanwhile, Cunha has primarily led the line for new permanent United boss Carrick.

The Brazil international started up front for the Red Devils in Sunday's Manchester derby defeat, with Bruno Fernandes operating behind him while Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford were on the wings.

However, Carrick's side appeared largely blunt in attacking areas in the 1-0 defeat by rivals Manchester City, despite playing against ten men for almost 70 minutes.

On talkSPORT's Inside Devils, Kelly suggested: "I think Carrick should have reacted to the red card and brought Sesko on sooner. He should have been starting, if I’m completely honest, but the Cunha experiment is not working.

"Sesko was the only person who was going to test Gianluigi Donnarumma."

Attacking woes at Old Trafford

While Manchester United's defensive frailties have been widely highlighted this term, an underperforming front line is creating equal concern.

Cunha has struggled to make an impact as a central focal point in the Premier League as the false nine with only one assist in four games.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has fitted into Cunha's position on the left following his loan spell at Barcelona.

He has failed to record a single goal or assist this season.

Fellow Inside Devils pundit, Ryon Scott-Douglas, later added: "I would much rather favour last season's front three than Rashford being part of it. He has looked bright at points, I want to see the final product.

Marcus Rashford looks on during Manchester United's draw with Everton
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Despite not scoring so far this season, Rashford has created nine chancesCredit: Getty

"He’s such a radical change, I don’t think he’s the problem. I’m looking at the current situation and we’re not scoring much and we were last season.

"I’m favouring Cunha starting over Rashford every time, the front three need to be Cunha, Sesko, and Mbeumo."

A proven formula

Kelly responded: "Troy Deeney said on talkSPORT’s All Access that Rashford is a bit all for himself.

"I’m not here to criticise him, but in my personal opinion it’s more likely that Rashford will still be departing Man United rather than staying for the next five years so we need to be playing the team that’s going to be there next season.

"He should play when he’s playing well, but when Sesko is fit he should start. Cunha, Sesko, and Mbeumo is what we live off."

During the 2025/26 season, United’s revamped front three consisted of summer arrivals Mbeumo, Sesko, and Cunha.

Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring for Man United
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The return of Sesko has been a huge boost for Carrick, but he needs to use him moreCredit: Getty

Under Carrick, the trio combined for an impressive goal tally across all competitions.

All three players hit double digits in the league alone as both Mbeumo and the Slovenia international finished the season as the club's joint-top goalscorers with 12 goals each in all competitions.

Cunha secured his tenth on the penultimate weekend against Nottingham Forest.

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