Michael Carrick should continue leaving Marcus Rashford on the bench and start Carlos Baleba for Manchester United after their disappointing performance against Tottenham Hotspur, according to a new opinion piece published by United In Focus.
Rashford was dropped from United’s starting XI for the Tottenham encounter, with Matheus Cunha given an opportunity to operate in his preferred position. Although United struggled collectively, Cunha impressed with his energy, enthusiasm and willingness to take on opponents.
The decision has reignited debate over Carrick’s team selection, with the argument that Rashford should remain an impact substitute while Baleba deserves a starting role in midfield.
The opinion, written by Vatsal Gupta and published on Sunday, October 11, also questions Carrick’s tactical direction and warns that the manager could face the same difficulties that ultimately cost Erik ten Hag his Manchester United job.
Carrick Urged to Keep Rashford on the Bench
Carrick’s decision to leave Rashford out of the starting lineup against Tottenham has been described as a selection decision he should maintain.
Rashford began the season positively, but his form reportedly declined before the international break, prompting growing calls for the England international to be dropped.
Cunha replaced him against Tottenham and was able to demonstrate qualities that the article argues could make him a better option in United’s starting attack.
According to Gupta, Cunha offers greater defensive work rate, resilience during difficult moments and the ability to combine with teammates in a fluid attacking system.
The article argues that these qualities make the Brazilian a stronger option than Rashford in the current circumstances.
Cunha Impresses Despite Manchester United’s Struggles
Manchester United did not produce a convincing overall performance against Tottenham, but Cunha reportedly distinguished himself through his energy and enthusiasm.
His display suggested that Carrick could benefit from retaining him in the starting lineup rather than automatically restoring Rashford to the team.
The argument is not that Rashford has no role to play, but that he could be more effective coming off the bench while attempting to regain his best form.
The article maintains that the decision to drop Rashford should have come earlier, arguing that Carrick took five games to make the change.
It also suggests that the manager should apply similar scrutiny to other positions instead of relying on established selections when performances do not justify them.
Baleba Deserves a Starting Role After Tottenham Cameo
While praising the decision to drop Rashford, the article identifies Carlos Baleba as another player who should benefit from a change in Carrick’s selection policy.
Baleba reportedly made a significant impact after coming on against Tottenham, bringing energy and improved movement to a Manchester United midfield that had struggled to impose itself.
The midfielder’s introduction was presented as a turning point in United’s performance, with the article arguing that he offered qualities missing from the starting midfield.
Gupta believes Baleba should now be considered an automatic choice for the starting lineup when fit and ready.
Baleba Offers Energy and Quality in Possession
Baleba’s contribution reportedly extended beyond his physical presence and work without the ball.
The article praises his passing ability, particularly his capacity to find teammates in space and help United progress the ball.
This is important because Carrick would not necessarily have to sacrifice control of possession to introduce greater mobility and energy into midfield.
The article contrasts Baleba’s performance with that of Youri Tielemans, arguing that the former offered an improvement both defensively and in possession.
However, it acknowledges that Baleba’s absence from the starting lineup against Tottenham could be explained by his recent return from injury and the need to rebuild match fitness.
Going forward, the argument is that Carrick should make the midfielder a regular starter once he is sufficiently prepared.
Manchester United Fans Question Carrick’s Team Selection
The debate over Carrick’s choices has also generated reactions among Manchester United supporters.
Some fans highlighted Baleba’s impact after coming off the bench, while others questioned why the midfielder had not started the Tottenham match.
One featured commenter wrote: “He was the only positive last night”.
Another supporter argued that Baleba’s introduction made United more threatening going forward.
A further comment praised the performances of Baleba and Cunha, describing them as among the players prepared to challenge Tottenham.
The reactions reflect frustration among some supporters about United’s overall performance, team selection and tactical approach.
However, these comments represent individual fan opinions rather than an official assessment of the players or the manager.
Questions Remain Over United’s Midfield
United’s midfield has become a central part of the debate surrounding Carrick’s team selection.
The article argues that the team needs more energy, mobility and forward-thinking passing to improve its performances.
Baleba’s cameo against Tottenham has strengthened the case for giving him a more prominent role, particularly if he can maintain his fitness.
The question for Carrick is whether he will make changes based on the performance of his substitutes or continue with the players who began the match.
For supporters dissatisfied with the Tottenham display, selecting a more mobile midfield could represent one possible route towards improvement.
Carrick Warned Against Repeating Ten Hag’s Mistakes
A separate United In Focus opinion article published on Sunday also raised concerns about Carrick’s tactical approach, comparing his situation with the difficulties experienced by former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
The article argues that Carrick enjoyed a successful interim spell last season, which helped him secure the permanent managerial position.
His early results reportedly gave supporters reason to believe that he could establish a more consistent approach at Old Trafford.
However, the opinion suggests that Carrick has moved away from the tactical structure that helped him succeed during his interim tenure.
The concern is that changing a system that had produced positive results could undermine the team’s performances if the squad does not have the necessary characteristics to execute the new approach.
Ten Hag’s Tactical Changes Became a Warning
The article recalls how Ten Hag’s first season began with two defeats before Manchester United improved following a victory over Liverpool in his third match.
United subsequently secured Champions League qualification and enjoyed a strong Europa League campaign that included a victory over Barcelona.
However, the article argues that Ten Hag later abandoned elements of the approach that had helped the team succeed.
According to the opinion, United’s midfield became increasingly exposed, with matches turning into end-to-end contests and the team struggling to maintain control.
An eighth-place league finish followed, although the article notes that good finishing and individual moments helped prevent an even worse outcome.
The writer suggests that Ten Hag’s experience offers a warning for Carrick as he attempts to establish his preferred playing style.
Carrick’s Successful System Should Have Been Developed Gradually
The second opinion article argues that Carrick should have built on the tactical approach that worked during his interim spell rather than attempting a more extensive transformation.
That approach reportedly relied on a compact mid-block and counterattacking football, designed to make the most of the squad’s available strengths.
The writer argues that the system helped United achieve strong results over a 17-game period, even if some underlying performance statistics were less impressive than the results suggested.
Rather than abandoning the approach, the article suggests that Carrick could have refined it while allowing time for further recruitment.
The opinion also points to changes in the squad, arguing that Manchester United did not add enough midfield reinforcements to make a substantially different tactical system work immediately.
Transfer Decisions and Squad Limitations Add to the Challenge
The article argues that Carrick has been affected by decisions in the transfer market, which may have limited his ability to implement his preferred style.
It suggests that the manager could have continued developing the previous system for another season before seeking additional reinforcements.
Instead, the writer believes Carrick has attempted to make a major tactical change without having all the personnel required to execute it effectively.
The article warns that this approach could put Carrick’s long-term future at Manchester United under pressure if results fail to improve.
These conclusions remain the writer’s assessment rather than confirmation that the club intends to dismiss the manager.
Rashford and Baleba Decisions Could Shape United’s Next Matches
The selection debate presents Carrick with two immediate questions: whether Rashford should return to the starting lineup and whether Baleba has done enough to earn a place from the beginning.
Cunha’s performance against Tottenham has strengthened the argument for retaining him in attack, while Baleba’s contribution has increased calls for greater mobility in midfield.
Both decisions will depend on the manager’s tactical plans, the players’ fitness and the performances produced in upcoming matches.
The wider criticism of Carrick’s tactical direction also raises questions about whether he can adapt his system to the players available without sacrificing the qualities that helped United succeed last season.
For now, the opinion pieces make a clear case for changes to the starting lineup and a more cautious approach to tactical transformation.
Manchester United’s next performances will provide further evidence of whether Carrick is prepared to adjust his selections and whether Baleba can establish himself as a regular starter.