Szeszko is expected to start against Tottenham, while Manchester United's £40 million winger may be benched! Carrick's tactics receive praise

After securing three consecutive wins at the start of his Manchester United managerial career, Carrick is about to face a week confronting his former clubs. Next week, the Red Devils will play Tottenham and West Ham United, both teams from Carrick’s playing days. According to English media, Carrick might make a significant lineup change, likely starting the €85 million striker Szeszko, who scored a last-minute winner against Fulham, for the first time under the new coach.

In recent years, Tottenham has been Manchester United’s biggest nemesis, having swept all four matches last season. Since the end of 2022, United has failed to beat Tottenham in eight games. This season’s first meeting at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ended in a 2-2 draw, where Richarlison thought he had scored the winner, but De Ligt equalized shortly after.

Over the past three years, Manchester United’s record against Tottenham stands at three draws and five losses, with no wins at home, away, or neutral venues. Now, with Tottenham struggling in the league, Manchester United has a prime opportunity to turn the tide. Tottenham has earned only 3 points in their last five matches and currently ranks 18th in the league form table!

Manchester United’s reliable defender, Patrick Dogu, will miss several weeks due to a hamstring injury. In the last match, Carrick opted to replace him with Cunha, who scored, validating the coach’s decision.

However, the performances of Amad Diallo on the right and striker Mbemo have been less convincing, so the match-winning hero Szeszko might replace one of them.

Amad has been consistent under Carrick’s management but has not contributed to goals and his defensive work has been insufficient. The £40 million man may become a substitute for Szeszko. The 22-year-old Szeszko can enhance the team’s attacking depth and improve aerial duels.

After Szeszko’s winning goal, he became a popular figure, and rumors on social media claimed Carrick invited Berbatov to talk to him, which is false. However, Manchester United does have strong confidence in the Slovenian international. Team reporter Andy Mitten said, “I believe he will be a long-term starter for United. I know the club internally sees him as having the potential to become an elite striker.”

Carrick chose Mbemo as the center forward in the first three matches because of the nature of those games. Mitten said, “Carrick made a wise decision starting Mbemo as striker. He needed results, and I understand his choice. But having a player like Szeszko with outstanding ability coming off the bench is really valuable.”

Carrick’s tactical adjustments in his three games at Manchester United have been praised by English media. Against Fulham, he focused attacks on the team’s right side. Although Cunha started as the left winger, he often cut inside centrally or joined attacks on the right. This was because Carrick noticed Fulham aimed to attack from that side, leaving space behind their defense. Cunha’s goal came from a run into that right flank gap.

After Cunha was substituted, Bruno Fernandes took over his role, looking for space on the right and delivering the assist for Szeszko’s winning goal. Szeszko did not stay close to the nearest center-back; instead, he created space for himself and had enough time to control, turn, and shoot.

Predicted Manchester United starting lineup against Tottenham: Senna, Rams, Diogo Dalot, Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Koby Meno, Mbemo, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha, Szeszko.