Manchester United boss Michael Carrick will have to choose between Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo for the striker role against Hull City.
The Red Devils will begin the new campaign with an away trip to Hull. The contest will take place at the MKM Stadium, and it kicks off on Saturday at 12:30 UK time.
With only a few days separating us from the grand opening, fans and observers are beginning to wonder what Carrick’s first starting XI will look like.
Whitwell tips Bryan Mbeumo to start upfront
After picking up an injury towards the end of the previous campaign, Benjamin Sesko wasn’t able to feature in any of Man Utd’s pre-season fixtures.
While it remains to be seen whether he’ll be in this weekend’s travelling squad, he is highly unlikely to feature as a starter.
Therefore, Carrick will have to decide who will lead the line in the absence of his only recognised target man.
In the latest episode of the Talk of the Devils podcast, Laurie Whitwell said he expects Mbeumo to get the nod upfront.
The 27-year-old is originally a right winger, but he featured as a centre-forward on several occasions last season, and was once again tested in this role in United’s most recent friendly games.
Fellow Athletic journalist Carl Anka suggested Matheus Cunha as an alternative choice, but Whitwell instead expects the Brazilian to start on the left wing, dropping Patrick Dorgu to the bench.
The MUFC insider also tipped Ayden Heaven to keep Lisandro Martinez out of the lineup, joining Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, and Luke Shaw in the backline.
Why Mbeumo could be the best choice for Man Utd
In Sesko’s absence, Joshua Zirkzee should theoretically be the next in line, but the Dutchman’s fate remains up in the air, with Juventus still interested in acquiring him before the end of the month.
On the other hand, Mbeumo looked sharp and focused since the start of the summer, taking advantage of Cameroon’s World Cup absence to start his preparations early, unlike Matheus Cunha, who returned relatively late from his post-WC vacation.
Moreover, Mbeumo has proven his ability to get on the end of long passes and finish chances when provided with the right service.
The former Brentford star might not be an aerial threat, but he uses his strength and speed to leave his markers in the dust, making him a deadly option in counterattacks. On the contrary, Mbeumo might struggle to break into packed defences, so if Hull choose to sit deep, it could be a long afternoon for the 27-year-old.
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