Whitwell: Man Utd players unhappy with transfer business as two stars could pay the price

In partnership with

Utd Report

·4 September 2026

Whitwell: Man Utd players unhappy with transfer business as two stars could pay the price

Manchester United players were reportedly unhappy with the lack of new signings this summer, especially in attack, with Benjamin Sesko left without a proper understudy.

The Red Devils revamped their midfield after parting ways with Casemiro and losing Manuel Ugarte to a long-term injury. Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba joined Kobbie Mainoo in a new-look department.

OneFootball Videos

However, the club failed to address two important issues, leaving Luke Shaw and Benjamin Sesko without natural backups.

Man United stars wanted a new striker to support Benjamin Sesko

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

After the deadline-day radio silence, a large section of Man Utd supporters were left fuming, wondering how INEOS decided to start the campaign with Shaw as the only recognised left-back in the first team.

Interestingly, The Athletic correspondent Laurie Whitwell reveals that the squad had a different concern.

The journalist insists MUFC players weren’t necessarily worried by the lack of left-backs, but felt that buying a new striker was a more pressing need.

They fear that Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo could be impeded by the situation, as they’ll be forced to cover in an unnatural role on several occasions throughout the season, which has already been the case in the first two fixtures against Hull and Ipswich.

“From people I’ve spoken to, the players were looking at that area and saying that Sesko needs somebody else to alternate with, a focal point which could allow Mbeumo and Cunha to adopt their more natural positions,” said Whitwell during his appearance on the Talk of the Devils podcast.

“From what I can tell, left-back wasn’t as pressing in the players’ minds because of their faith in Luke Shaw, and he’s got support from the squad for all the time he’s been at the club.”

What are Michael Carrick’s options in attack?

As evidenced by Joshua Zirkzee’s playing time since last season (or rather lack of), Carrick clearly doesn’t trust the Dutchman with leading the line.

The former Bologna star is perhaps considered too unconventional as a striker due to his tendency to roam all over the pitch.

(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Zirkzee had interest from several Italian clubs, while Everton made a last-minute attempt to sign him before the deadline, but United turned down the offer as they didn’t have enough time to find a replacement.

The good news for Carrick is that he won’t be caught short of options on the wings when Mbeumo or Cunha is leading the line, as he can rely on Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, or even Shea Lacey and Patrick Dorgu.

Interestingly, Alan Pardew offered an alternative solution, as he believes Rashford has 15-20 goals in him if Carrick occasionally fields him as a striker, so it remains to be seen if the gaffer will resort to this option.