Manchester United looked very good in the second half against Ipswich Town on Sunday, but the side’s goals did not come from the forward line. Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo were the driving force behind the three goals, with the captain recording his first hat-trick in five years.
The front three of Matheus Cunha at striker and Marcus Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo on the flanks did not look poor. Cunha assisted Bruno’s first goal and Mbeumo finished an odd chip for the fifth and final
goal, meanwhile Rashford had two excellent chances denied by the goalkeeper and last-ditch defending. There was balance, but it was still evidently a solution to a personnel problem.
Amad’s preseason injury made the right wing options limited to Mbeumo, despite the Cameroonian’s emergence as a good No. 9 option this season. Benjamin Sesko missed the entire preseason but has been fit enough to make appearances off the bench. Cunha, who typically played on the left last season, played as a No. 9 for Brazil at the World Cup and fit there with Rashford as a natural option on the left.
The options aren’t bad for Michael Carrick to choose from. All three players have been flexible positionally in their careers and offer a balance of qualities. Rashford looked particularly comfortable playing with Luke Shaw again and he made a good effort out of possession to stay involved as well. He didn’t get the goal his performance might have deserved, but overall it was a good homecoming.
Cunha was the only real odd fit, operating similarly to Bruno Fernandes and dropping into similar areas. It allowed the No. 10 to make good runs beyond the striker, but Cunha’s lack of striker presence was felt at times, especially in the first half.
Carrick will likely return Mbeumo to the No. 9 role at some point, but until then he’s found out about a pairing that can be serviceable. It may even provide more when it isn’t playing against a low-block, but until then there should be some more tinkering. The goals will not always come from the midfield. Bruno can and will provide to take chances himself, but is at his best when others are taking chances themselves.
