As an attritional contest began to slip from Manchester United’s grasp, Michael Carrick turned to his bench. He caught Benjamin Šeško’s eye. The nod said it all: it’s time to do your thing.
The 6ft 5in Slovenian had already made a habit of it. A worldie off the bench rescued a 1-1 draw at West Ham. Before that, a 90+4 minute winner sealed a 3-2 victory over Tottenham. Five goals in six games heading into Everton had many expecting his first start under the interim boss.
But Carrick kept him in reserve as his super sub.
The plan worked. Thirteen minutes after coming on at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night, Šeško sprinted 70 yards — clocking 35.3 km/h — to latch onto Bryan Mbeumo’s pass and score the only goal of the game.
A Worrying Lack of Depth
Just as well the plan worked. A glance at United’s bench revealed how thin things are. Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui — both defenders — were the only other players introduced into a game that was drifting away from Carrick’s side.
In six matches in charge, Carrick’s only alterations to his starting XI have been injury-enforced. Matheus Cunha has replaced Patrick Dorgu, who is out for the season, while Lenny Yoro replaced Lisandro Martínez at Everton.
Given United’s struggles progressing the ball against Everton, Martínez will likely return straight to centre-back when fit. The Dorgu-Cunha battle is the only genuine selection headache Carrick has had since taking over.
A Midfield Crisis?
If anything happens to the midfield trio of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo, United are in serious trouble.
Manuel Ugarte is the only senior option capable of slotting into the double pivot and has already been tried and discarded by multiple managers — including Ruben Amorim, who handed him his big break at Sporting.
Fernandes may be irreplaceable, but Carrick still needs a name to write on the teamsheet if the 31-year-old is injured or rested. Joshua Zirkzee doesn’t quite fit. Mason Mount — sidelined again — has yet to truly ignite since his £55m move from Chelsea in 2023.
Beyond that, United are turning to academy prospects: the Fletcher twins, Jack and Tyler, and the gifted Shea Lacey.
We already know Casemiro is leaving this summer.
Summer 2026 Transfer Targets
United will have to get busy in the market to reinforce midfield, and they are tracking Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson.
Baleba: The Ball-Winner
Brighton’s Baleba was believed to top the list earlier in the season, but a $135m valuation — and a dip in form following the Old Trafford link — cooled interest. His immense mobility and ball-winning ability still appeal. The Cameroonian excels at regaining possession in the middle third and driving forward under pressure.
Transfer latest: Brighton have reportedly lowered their demands to around $94m. Baleba remains a prime candidate to replace Casemiro and talks with his representatives have been positive. Liverpool and Tottenham are also circling.
Wharton: United’s Long-Term Solution
Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has been described as “a Manchester United player in the making” by club sources, with technical qualities reminiscent of Carrick himself.
The 21-year-old operates primarily as a deep-lying midfielder but carries box-to-box energy. Composed and blessed with a superb left foot, he dictates tempo with his range of passing and reads the game well defensively.
Transfer latest: Under contract until 2029, Wharton is said to have a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ allowing him to leave for around $80m if a Champions League club bids. United are currently on course for a top-four finish, but Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid are monitoring the 2025 FA Cup winner.
Anderson: The Statement Signing
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson may be the one United fans crave most.
Comfortable as a No.6, No.8 or No.10, he captained England to the 2025 UEFA Under-21 Championship and has since become a regular under Thomas Tuchel, even edging ahead of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.
With England expected to go deep at the 2026 World Cup, Anderson’s value could skyrocket. United would need to move before the tournament begins.
Transfer latest: Anderson is currently United’s top target. Reports suggest the club are prepared to break their transfer record with a bid exceeding $135m. Manchester City have also made contact.
The Champions League Factor
Champions League qualification looks pivotal — both to attract these players and to fund the rebuild Carrick’s midfield so clearly requires.
