Rio Ferdinand has called upon Michael Carrick to make one key attacking change that could change Manchester United’s fortunes.
Following a turbulent start to 2026/2027, Carrick will already be going back to the drawing board over the international break to mull over where it’s been going wrong for his side.
How Carrick’s United side has fared over the last month
United have claimed just five points from their opening five Premier League matches, leaving them 12th-placed after Sunday’s draw with Fulham.
They now have three weeks to dwell on the dismal string of results, which has also seen them exit the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle for the second successive season.
Awaiting Carrick and his men next time out is a home clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, October 10, with the North London outfit winless since the campaign got underway.
Manchester United’s out-of-possession stats in the PL this season:
– 20th in distance at high intensity
– 20th in time spent at high intensity
– 20th in sprints
– 20th in time sprinting
– 17th in % of time walking out of possession[sky] pic.twitter.com/5s9wTKGWTz
— utdreport (@utdreport) September 20, 2026
What did Ferdinand have to say?
In the meantime, Ferdinand shared one tactical tweak that he thinks will give defenders ‘something to think about’.
He has urged his former teammate to play Marcus Rashford through the middle as a centre-forward while putting Matheus Cunha on the left flank.
Put Marcus thru middle
Cunha on left
Give the CB something different to think about?— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 20, 2026
So far this season, Carrick has persisted with utilising Cunha in the No.9 role, despite that not being his natural position.
Out-and-out striker Benjamin Sesko has yet to start in the league, even though he boasts a pretty impressive record under the manager.
| Appearances | Starts | Goals | Minutes played |
| 19 | 8 | 9 | 801 |
Sesko’s record since Carrick took charge (all competitions)
Rashford has yet to return a goal or assist since being reintegrated into the squad over the summer, and Cunha got off the mark (in the PL) over the weekend via his late equaliser at Craven Cottage.
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