Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has voiced strong criticism regarding manager Michael Carrick’s deployment of Matheus Cunha as the team’s primary striker, asserting that the role is detrimental to the player’s effectiveness. Butt’s comments, made on ‘The Good, The Bad and The Football’ podcast, highlight a perceived misapplication of talent that is contributing to Manchester United’s faltering start to the Premier League season.
Manchester United’s Struggles and Tactical Concerns
Manchester United’s current league campaign has been marked by inconsistency, with the team securing only one win in their opening five fixtures. A recent near-defeat against Fulham underscored these difficulties, drawing widespread criticism for the players’ perceived lack of intensity and running. The team currently sits 12th in the Premier League standings, a position that has intensified the pressure on Carrick, especially considering the high standards set in the latter half of the previous season. The upcoming clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford is being framed as a crucial fixture for both sides, with Spurs also struggling at the bottom of the table.
Carrick’s management has faced scrutiny, with some suggesting that insufficient summer transfer activity has left the squad thin, particularly given the added demands of Champions League football. While the midfield was bolstered with the signings of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Carlos Baleba, only Tielemans has established himself as a regular starter. Santos has seen limited minutes, and Baleba has been sidelined by injury.
The Striker Conundrum and Cunha’s Misplacement
A significant area of concern appears to be the defense, alongside the central forward position. The injury to Benjamin Sesko, who has been limited to just two starts this season after missing much of pre-season with a shin injury, has forced Carrick to explore alternatives. Matheus Cunha has frequently been utilized as the No. 9 in Sesko’s absence.
However, Nicky Butt argues that this tactical switch is not working. “Playing Cunha as a nine kills him,” Butt stated. “He’s nowhere near the player he is off the side. We haven’t got a No.9 other than Sesko other than [Joshua] Zirkzee, but he’s been going, staying, going, staying. And when he does come on, he doesn’t look anywhere near a Manchester United No.9.”
Butt’s assessment is that Cunha, who excelled last season with his ability to run from deep and trouble opposition full-backs, is now struggling to make an impact in a more static central striker role. His effectiveness has diminished significantly when playing through the middle, a stark contrast to his dynamic performances from the left wing.
Matheus Cunha’s Record for Manchester United (2025-26 Season)
- Appearances: 35
- Goals: 10
- Assists: 4
Without a heavily deflected goal against Fulham, Cunha would have had five starts and no goals in the No. 9 position this season. This situation presents Carrick with a tactical dilemma, especially since Marcus Rashford is most effective on the left wing, the same flank where Cunha has previously shown his best form for the club.
Potential Solutions for the Striker Role
With Cunha seemingly out of his element as a central striker and Sesko sidelined, Carrick must consider other options. The choice appears to lie between utilizing Joshua Zirkzee or Bryan Mbeumo in the No. 9 role. Zirkzee has been inconsistent, while Mbeumo, though often more effective out wide, demonstrated his capabilities as a striker during pre-season.
Given Tottenham’s current struggles, deploying Mbeumo through the middle, with Rashford and potentially Cunha on the left, could be a viable tactical approach. The team also faces a shortage of options on the right wing, particularly if Amad Diallo remains unavailable, though young Shea Lacey is emerging as a potential candidate for a starting role.
Bryan Mbeumo’s Record as a Centre-Forward for Manchester United
- Appearances: 8
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 1
Ultimately, the tactical decisions surrounding the center-forward position are critical for Manchester United’s immediate future. Nicky Butt’s critique suggests that a change in approach is necessary to unlock Matheus Cunha’s potential and improve the team’s overall attacking output.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate over Manchester United’s attacking strategy, particularly the role assigned to Matheus Cunha, underscores the team’s current challenges. Nicky Butt’s candid assessment highlights a potential disconnect between player strengths and tactical deployment. As Michael Carrick navigates this complex situation, finding a sustainable and effective solution for the central striker role will be paramount to turning the team’s fortunes around and meeting the high expectations associated with the club.
