MU's Attack Goes Silent: Returning to the 'Old Trough'

26/08/2025 07:29:00 SportScoop

MU confronts serious skepticism as their £200 million-plus attacking trio of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo has failed to deliver the anticipated strength.

After two opening Premier League matches, Ruben Amorim’s squad has managed just a single goal — an own goal. The pricey offense’s lack of productivity and the growing strain on Amorim have cast a shadow over MU’s outlook.

Costly but ineffective

MU did not hesitate to spend over £200 million in the summer transfer window to reinforce their attack, aiming to fix their long-standing scoring problems. Last season, the "Red Devils" netted only 44 goals in the Premier League, their lowest tally since the 1973-74 relegation season. Sesko, Cunha, and Mbeumo were expected to bring a breakthrough, but reality has been harsh.

In the first two matches of the season, MU scored just one goal, which came from Rodrigo Muniz’s own goal during a 1-1 draw with Fulham. The 0-1 defeat to Arsenal highlighted their attacking struggles further. Despite taking 32 shots across both games with expected goals (xG) of 1.52 against Arsenal and 1.62 versus Fulham, MU barely posed any real threat from open play.

Sesko, the £74 million signing, has yet to justify his price tag. In 62 minutes off the bench (25 minutes against Arsenal and 37 against Fulham), he failed to register a single shot or create any notable danger. Amorim acknowledged that Sesko needs time to adapt to the Premier League’s pace and intensity, which differ greatly from the Bundesliga. Nonetheless, given the hefty fee, Sesko’s slow integration is worrying fans.

Cunha, despite some promising moments, has not made a decisive impact. Against Fulham, he nearly scored with a skillful move from a long ball by goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. Cunha also hit the post with a shot, showing potential, but these individual efforts haven’t shifted the game’s momentum. Meanwhile, Mbeumo was almost invisible against Fulham, unable to break down their solid defense. This attacking trio, though talented, still lacks cohesion and mutual understanding needed to become a formidable front line.

Fulham coach Marco Silva bluntly commented after the draw with MU: "Their best chances in the second half came only from set pieces, nothing more." This indicates MU’s over-reliance on dead-ball situations instead of generating strength through structured attacking play.

Expensive new forwards like Sesko still have yet to prove their worth

Pressure on Amorim mounts

Coach Amorim faces intense pressure as MU shows no signs of improvement. After two rounds, the team has earned just one point, sitting 16th in the standings — an unacceptable position for a club with United’s ambitions. Questions arise about his tactics and player management.

Former star Gary Neville openly criticized Sesko’s usage. On his podcast, Neville said Sesko "hasn't reached the required pace" and needs more game time to regain form. He suggested Amorim should start Sesko in tomorrow’s League Cup match against Grimsby to restore his confidence instead of keeping him on the bench. Continuously benching such a valuable player not only undermines his confidence but also raises doubts about Amorim’s strategy for integrating new signings.

The attack’s inefficiency was further highlighted by Bruno Fernandes, one of MU’s key players, missing a crucial penalty against Fulham. Fernandes’ failed spot-kick became a symbol of MU’s frustration. After the match, Amorim admitted the team played too cautiously after taking the lead, focusing on protecting the score rather than continuing offensive play. He said: "After scoring, we only thought about holding the advantage, and that’s unacceptable. We need to mature."

Although Amorim remains optimistic, insisting MU will soon score due to their chance-creating ability, these reassurances have yet to calm the fans. Missing out on European competitions this season should have been an advantage, giving MU extra time to train and gel. However, after two games, the lack of fluidity in their play remains evident. Amorim must quickly find a way for Sesko, Cunha, and Mbeumo to integrate and build an effective attacking system.

MU fans’ patience is running thin. With huge investments and a squad full of potential, the "Red Devils" cannot afford to stay stuck. Amorim and the new signings must prove they can overcome current challenges or face escalating criticism from media and supporters alike.

Vu Manh

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