How Michael Carrick's short-term 'sacrifice' with Matheus Cunha could pay off for Man Utd in long-term picture – opinion

Michael Carrick has turned to Matheus Cunha for an all-important role for Manchester United during the early stages of the 2026-27 Premier League campaign.

Matheus Cunha has started for the Red Devils in the opening 2-0 defeat to Hull City at the MKM Stadium and the 5-2 thrashing of Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old Manchester United forward has been playing down the middle this season to accommodate Patrick Dorgu and Marcus Rashford on the left wing.

However, Cunha is having a bigger impact for the Red Devils outside of allowing Michael Carrick to accommodate both Marcus Rashford and Patrick Dorgu in the attack.

READ MORE: Michael Carrick’s tactics vs Ipswich validated Ineos’ strategy in one way, despite work left to do at Man Utd

Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Matheus Cunha’s central Man Utd position is the key to Benjamin Sesko’s phased return for the Red Devils

Matheus Cunha has not picked up an assist or scored in Manchester United’s 5-2 victory over Ipswich and 2-0 loss to Hull City while playing as the lone forward.

The Brazil international is still an active presence on the pitch and is allowing United manager Michael Carrick to navigate the constraints of Benjamin Sesko’s return.

Benjamin Sesko missed the entirety of Man Utd’s pre-season summer tour due to a shin problem before returning at the start of the new Premier League season.

The 23-year-old United striker is now playing catch-up with his teammates, who have played on the pre-season campaign or at the World Cup (or even both).

Sesko has been able to climb off the bench twice in the 2026-27 campaign and has delivered second-half cameo appearances that have quietly flown under the radar.

READ MORE: Marcus Rashford and Matheus Cunha have Man Utd fans now debating over Michael Carrick’s role for another player

But Cunha’s ability to lead the frontline, even if he is not scoring, is taking the added pressure of Carrick needing to start Sesko so soon after his return from injury.

Sesko secured 24 minutes in United’s away defeat to Hull City, but he then played 11 minutes of the Red Devils’ Premier League clash against Ipswich at Old Trafford.

United legend Carrick had relied on winger Bryan Mbeumo to help fill the void of Sesko’s absence during the pre-season summer tour for the Red Devils.

But with Amad Diallo’s injury absence, Bryan Mbeumo has been needed on the right wing and the responsibility has fallen on Cunha’s shoulders to lead the frontline.

Cunha’s position in the frontline is a short-term solution and could reap long-term benefits by allowing Sesko to return to full fitness without any pressure on him.