Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterA pattern has developed during Michael Carrick's early tenure as permanent Manchester United boss, and he must address it.Every time Bruno Fernandes shapes to send a curling delivery into the box from the half-space, and every time Bryan Mbeumo cuts inside to send a dangerous ball towards the back post, the pattern becomes impossible to ignore.Man United are built to attack from wide areas, but lack the aerial profile inside the 18-yard box to capitalise on it.Manchester United need to make tactical tweak three games into the seasonData gleaned from Gradient Sports paints an interesting picture of Man Uniteds opening games.Carricks side currently rank first in the Premier League for total inswinging crosses attempted (39) - 10 more than the next-highest team - and second overall in total crosses (84). Individually, Bruno Fernandes leads the division for inswingers attempted, while summer addition Bryan Mbeumo ranks third. You may like Michael Carrick has done the minimum required so far at Manchester United: now the work REALLY begins Danny Welbeck and Ismaila Sarr sign, with midfield and full-back cover sorted: Manchester United's dream transfer window Manchester United bordered on challenging under Michael Carrick, but can the now permanent manager prevent the Red Devils from their usual backslide in his first complete season? Manchester United 2026-27 season preview The intent is clear: Man United are overloading the flanks and using their playmakers to deliver high-value, whipped service into the penalty area.Despite dominating the delivery metrics, Man United rank only fifth for their cross completion rate. The quality of the service from Fernandes and Mbeumo is rarely the issue - rather, it is the lack of a complementary target profile inside the box when the ball arrives.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Matheus Cunha has spent much of the early campaign leading the line, but the Brazilian's natural game does not suit an aerial bombardment. Cunha is fundamentally a 'nine-and-a-half' - a fluid, technician who thrives when dropping deep to link play, driving at defenders from tight pockets, and unleashing shots from distance.Asking him to engage in physical battles against Premier League centre-halves on whipped inswinging crosses doesn't quite get the best out of his strongest attributes.When crosses flood the box, Cunha is occasionally out of position or outmatched in aerial duels, leaving the team's creative output feeling unrewarded. What to read next It wasnt always sumptuous, fantastic, breathtaking football, but there was more of a mental toughness Gary Pallister on Carricks start as Manchester United manager, and the opportunity to build from here Forget right-backs in midfield, Arsenals five-on-two shows Chelseas system is the problem How Manchester United finally fixed their transfer strategy The remedy for Carrick is sitting on the bench: Benjamin Sesko.Unlike Cunha, Sesko provides the exact physical profile needed to transform Man United's crossing volume into goals. The Slovenian international offers physicality and height and box presence.At 6ft 5in, Sesko gives Man United a genuine aerial presence capable of winning contested headers against deep defensive blocks. He is a player who will instinctively attack the landing zones of inswinging deliveries, too.If Fernandes and Mbeumo continue to cross with such frequency, adding Sesko to the starting XI is a requirement.TOPICSBenjamin SeskoManchester UnitedPremier LeagueJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
