Michael Carrick has been urged to restore a genuine number nine presence for Manchester United’s Champions League opener against Sabah on Thursday, with Benjamin Sesko in line to lead the line after United’s disappointing 2-2 draw with Everton at the weekend.

United have not featured in Europe’s premier competition since 2023, and the match is likely to represent a strong opportunity to collect three valuable points. Carrick’s side will need to be focused after the Everton draw if they are to make the most of the occasion.

Sesko offers what Cunha couldn’t

With Sesko recovering from an early-season injury lay-off, Matheus Cunha has been used as a false nine. That approach has not been especially successful, with United missing a presence up front in many matches. A recognised striker can offer a target for crosses and hold the ball up against a packed defence.

Sesko’s late goal against Everton underlined the value of that presence. United are likely to have plenty of the ball against Sabah, making quality deliveries into the box particularly important if Sesko starts. A focal point in the area would give those crosses a clearer destination.

The Rashford-Shaw axis

Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw combined effectively on United’s left against Everton. Shaw overlapped better than he had for some time and supplied the cross that led to Sesko’s goal. Their link-up could again be useful if United need to break down a compact Sabah defence.

Rashford is also capable of delivering dangerous balls into the area, while Shaw’s overlapping can create another route forward. If Sabah defend deep for long spells, United may need those wide combinations and quality crosses to create the opening that breaks the deadlock.

A settled and effective left-side pairing would be valuable in a match where United may have to work patiently for opportunities rather than rely on space behind the defence.

Patience will be the real test

United can sometimes rush their play and attempt to force openings too quickly. That approach may not work against a Sabah side likely to sit deep and defend for as long as possible because of the theoretical difference in quality between the teams.

An early goal would make the task easier, but United should not panic if one does not arrive. The key will be to trust their football and continue looking for a way through a defence that will have plenty of motivation to frustrate the hosts.

Area Recent Approach Proposed Tweak Attack Cunha as a false nine Sesko as a focal point Left flank Rashford and Shaw combined against Everton Use wide deliveries into the box Mentality Play can be rushed Remain patient and trust the build-up

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