Despite spending over £200 million on new attackers over the summer, two games into the season, the only Manchester United goal has been a Rodrigo Muniz own goal.
Against Arsenal at home on the opening weekend, Manchester United generated a lot of shots but very few clear-cut chances. Granted, they were up against one of the league’s strongest defences, but even with the added quality, they still struggled to break the block.
Then away against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, Ruben Amorim‘s side once again struggled to break down Fulham’s block. Bryan Mbeumo put in a wicked delivery for the goal, Leny Yoro‘s header from the corner deflecting in.
But other than that, United only really created one big chance – a long ball from Altay Bayındır that Matheus Cunha did brilliantly to run onto and bring down. Cunha did hit the post with a good effort from the edge of the box, but the chance wasn’t as clear-cut.
Many are now wondering how Amorim really fixes United’s attacking issues? The quality discussion has now been addressed. United have added plenty of it and have more attacking depth now. Amorim has also pushed out the players who are not in his plans.
Here, we discuss one potential change of position that could have a positive domino effect on several players in United’s still-struggling attack.
Could Mbeumo be United’s striker?
It sounds weird, given United splashed so much money on both Mbeumo to play from the right and also on Benjamin Šeško as United’s new flagship centre forward. But this could well be the best way forward for United right now.
Šeško had a longer cameo in the game against Fulham, and whilst there were some glimpses of his flashy footwork, it looked extremely clear that he still has a lot of developing to do to become one of the top strikers in the Premier League, as United hope he can become.
Mbeumo showed how “special” talent against Arsenal, but struggled more against Fulham. There have been instances where he and Amad have not yet clicked with each other, as they are instinctually very similar players.
The Cameroonian forward has previously operated as a centre forward and lined up in that position in his first United appearance in pre-season against Everton, where he looked extremely promising.
His ability to operate centrally, hold the ball up, link up with his teammates, take the ball on the turn, create chances, and score goals, along with his instinct for scoring, make him a viable option there. He is also a diligent worker off the field, so he can be trusted to lead the press.
It makes life easier for multiple players
Šeško is a talented young forward, but still has a lot of developing to do. One of the things Rasmus Højlund could have done when he joined was to have a more experienced player shoulder the burden of being United’s centre forward. If United can afford the Slovenian forward, that luxury would arguably be best for his development.
Additionally, it would allow Bruno Fernandes or Amad to move into the forward line, and either of these switches makes life easier for Amad – either by moving him into a more natural position or by reducing the number of situations where he and Mbeumo may clash.
United’s captain would benefit from moving into one of the number 10 positions, it is far closer to his natural game, and in these early games in particular, it has looked very clear that he is not a natural deeper in midfield.
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Mason Mount could be moved deeper into midfield, or Kobbie Mainoo could be allowed to play more minutes than he is currently. Both are more natural in deeper positions than Fernandes and their ability to take the ball on the turn and link play across the pitch would smooth out United’s possession phases.
Whilst not ideal given the intentions behind United’s summer business, Amorim should absolutely consider the idea of making Mbeumo his main centre forward.
It could get the best out of him in this team, as well as improve the fortunes of a number of the attacking players around him – and United desperately need that right now.
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