Reasons why Manchester United must start Sheshko, with two players possibly making way! Carrick’s preferred lineup has limitations

During the trip to West Ham, Manchester United faced Carrick’s first defeat since his appointment, managing only a narrow 1-1 draw. Moreover, their tactical shortcomings were clearly identified by Nuno Santo’s team. In the future, David Moyes’ Everton and other teams may follow suit.

In earlier games, whether versus Manchester City, Arsenal, or Fulham, matches were fairly balanced with both teams attacking and defending. However, West Ham, as a relegation-threatened club, had no “idol burden.” They willingly adopted a compact defensive formation, conceding much possession to United to restrict the attacking players under Carrick from freely operating.

West Ham has never been known for technical brilliance, but when in good form, they use their style to contain opponents and drag stronger teams down to their level, then leverage their experience in intense physical battles to overcome them.

Santo deployed a 4-5-1 formation against United, compressing the Red Devils’ midfield and neutralizing their previously impressive attack. Carrick inherited a squad built by Ruben Amorim over the past year and a half for a 3-4-3 system, relying heavily on wing-backs rather than traditional wingers. The forwards tend to cut inside and shoot, which limits attacking variety.

For over 90 minutes, West Ham forced Manchester United into tight spaces and eventually caused them to lose possession. Carrick’s attackers prefer cutting inside but lack alternative ways to create threats.

Thus, the Red Devils had to rely on set pieces. Bruno Fernandes’ corner nearly assisted Luke Shaw in scoring, but once again Wan-Bissaka saved on the line against his former club.

West Ham locked down their defense tightly, with Mbemo, Cunha, and Amad Diallo unable to break through in the box. Casemiro tried to act as a surprise weapon, but his header was ruled offside. In the end, Carrick brought on two tall strikers, Sheshko and Zirkzee.

Nevertheless, Manchester United fans know only Sheshko poses a consistent threat inside the penalty area, while Zirkzee can only flash occasionally, like his missed header in stoppage time. Ultimately, Sheshko’s positioning ability saved Carrick, scoring the equalizer in the 96th minute, marking his second time as a stoppage-time hero. On February 1, he scored a 94th-minute equalizer against Fulham.

This 22-year-old striker sometimes wastes chances but offers the team the most diverse scoring methods, with some shots struck with remarkable power and others with precise control, plus his physical presence for headers.

“If we had more players, maybe we could score a few more goals!” Carrick confidently stated after the match. “Zirkzee had one chance but missed the target, while Sheshko’s goal was fantastic. So, I’m happy for him again; he scored another important goal, which is a big step forward for him.”

This goal was Sheshko’s sixth in the Premier League this season, with four coming in the last five matches. However, in the five games managed by Carrick, Sheshko has only appeared as a substitute. He is expected to start in Manchester United’s next away game against Everton on February 23.

Mbemo is Manchester United’s top scorer this season with 10 goals across all competitions. Despite a poor performance against West Ham, he still managed an assist and deserves a regular starting spot. However, either Amad or Cunha may have to give up their starting place for Sheshko.

Moyes often organizes Everton’s defense well and strikes through counterattacks. Manchester United is expected to dominate possession, but breaking down Everton’s defense will not be easy. Sheshko can bring advantages that Carrick’s usual forward pairing lacks, especially in multidimensional attacking play.

Moreover, Amad and Cunha’s form has been inconsistent. Cunha registered zero shots, key passes, or dribbles in 70 minutes against West Ham, while Amad squandered a last-minute winning chance by passing sideways instead of shooting. Amad performed well in the Africa Cup of Nations with three goals and one assist, but his last contribution to a Manchester United goal was back in mid-December during the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.