Carrick weighs Cunha-Sesko balance for Manchester derby

Michael Carrick says Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko offer Manchester United different attacking threats as he prepares his side for Sunday’s Premier League derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Speaking before the match, Carrick said the choice of who starts will depend partly on the opposition, the balance he wants in his team and the spaces United intend to attack. United face City at Old Trafford with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 BST on Sunday, according to BBC Sport.

Cunha, Sesko and Rashford all in Carrick’s thinking

Carrick’s comments on Cunha and Sesko underlined the different qualities he believes the pair can bring to the attack. Rather than setting out a fixed order between them, he pointed to the opponent, team balance and attacking spaces as factors in his selection.

Marcus Rashford also received praise from the United head coach. Carrick said he was pleased with the forward in many respects after United’s previous game, describing him as a threat even though he did not enjoy more success on the day. He added that United have good options and that keeping players fresh is an important consideration.

In midfield, Carrick said United’s players are technical and capable of connecting play forward. He said Youri Tielemans, who joined in the summer, has settled in well, while Andrey Santos has also settled in well. Mason Mount, meanwhile, is being asked to perform duties that differ slightly from those he has carried out previously, but Carrick said he is able to do so. The understanding between the midfielders is continuing to develop, he added.

No repeat of last season’s approach, Carrick insists

Carrick said United are not making assumptions about how the derby will unfold, despite their victory over City at Old Trafford last season. He stressed that last season’s win does not mean United will approach this meeting in exactly the same way.

He believes the team is improving and recognises the importance of the fixture, with limited time to recover and prepare. Carrick also praised City, noting their results and their ability to rotate players. United will need a very good performance to secure the result they want, he said.

Carrick on United’s long-term direction

Asked about his own position, Carrick said decisions since he took charge have been made with a longer-term outlook, despite uncertainty over how long he will remain in the role. He said the club had been planning for its future from day one.

Carrick pointed to United’s performance in last season’s City game as an example of that direction. The derby now offers another significant test as United look to build on the progress he says the group is making.