Paul Scholes has voiced his concerns over Manchester United's attacking woes, highlighting the team's lack of a proper central striker.
The club legend was particularly critical of manager Michael Carrick's decision to deploy Matheus Kunya as a central forward, urging for Benjamin Sesko to be given a starting spot instead.
Manchester United have had a shaky start to the season, picking up just four points in their first three games and drawing 2-2 with Everton in their latest outing, a match in which they squandered a two-goal lead.
The team's attacking play has been a hot topic for debate, with many questioning their ability to capitalise on opportunities.
Scholes unhappy with the team's performance
Speaking on the podcast The Good, The Bad and The Football, Scholes felt United's approach against Everton was overly passive.
'I felt the team played far too timidly against Everton. There was no aggression, and Everton were there to be beaten. There was so much space, yet they failed to kill off their opponents,'
the former midfielder remarked.
One of the critical issues, according to Scholes, is the choice of striker.
'The central forward position is a real problem because it’s not allowing Sesko to play. He is the type of player who could become a focal point in attack,'
he added.
'We don't understand who Kunya is'
Scholes had pointed words for Kunya himself.
The Brazilian is capable of playing in several attacking positions, but under Carrick's current system, he has been utilised as a central striker.
'With Kunya, we can’t quite grasp who he is – whether he's a number ten or a winger. But he is definitely not a number nine, and it’s tough watching Manchester United without a proper central forward.'
Kunya did start in the central striker role against Everton, while Sesko was again left on the bench, coming on in the 70th minute and netting a goal from a Luke Shaw cross, yet United still failed to secure a win.
Scholes urges Carrick to give Sesko a chance
Scholes insists that Carrick must consider deploying Sesko as a genuine central striker.
The Slovenian had missed pre-season training due to a shin injury, leading the coaching staff to gradually increase his match duty. However, he has yet to start a Premier League match this season.
With the Manchester derby against Manchester City looming, Carrick now faces an even tougher choice. City have won all three of their opening matches, while United have only managed four points from nine. The decision regarding the striker role could be pivotal ahead of the derby.
Scholes firmly believes that Sesko can provide the attacking clarity United currently lacks, offering a solid presence in the box and establishing himself as a true central striker.
