Manchester United snatched a point from their Premier League clash against West Ham United at the London Stadium, thanks to a late equaliser from Benjamin Sesko. The 1-1 draw, however, highlighted a growing concern for manager Michael Carrick: the squad’s depth, or lack thereof.
The Squad Depth Dilemma at Old Trafford
Tuesday’s performance served as a stark reminder that Manchester United, as currently constructed, struggles to maintain intensity and effectiveness when rotating players. The team’s inability to consistently perform across a busy schedule is becoming increasingly apparent.
Cunha and Mbeumo: Summer Signings Under Scrutiny
Despite a recent run of four consecutive wins, the match against West Ham revealed a concerning lack of impact from key summer acquisitions. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo both delivered underwhelming performances, raising questions about their immediate contributions to the team.
Cunha’s Struggles: A Statistical Breakdown
Cunha’s 69 minutes on the pitch yielded a remarkably sparse statistical output. He failed to register a single shot, dribble, key pass, or cross. Defensively, he won only one of three ground duels, completing one tackle and one clearance.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 0.01 |
| Total Shots | 0 |
| Shots on Target | 0 |
| Touches | 36 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 1 (0) |
Carrick’s initial leverage of Cunha as a super-sub now appears justified, with Patrick Dorgu frequently earning a starting position instead.
Sesko’s Impact: A Case for More Starts
Benjamin Sesko’s introduction proved to be a game-changer. The Slovenian forward provided an immediate spark, registering two shots on target, including the crucial equaliser. Sesko has now scored five goals in his last six appearances, two of which came under Carrick’s leadership.
His ability to deliver in key moments suggests he deserves a more prominent role in the starting lineup. A potential reshuffle, with Sesko replacing Cunha in the starting eleven for the upcoming match against Everton, could provide a significant boost to United’s attacking threat.
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