Michael Carrick Must Return 'Fantastic' Man Utd Star To Unbeaten Role vs Ipswich Town

Manchester United will be aiming to put their opening-day disappointment behind them when they welcome Ipswich Town in their second Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 campaign.

United endured a miserable start to the season last weekend, suffering a 2-0 defeat away to newly promoted Hull City. Goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy condemned Michael Carrick’s side to a result they will be desperate to put right.

Now, with Ipswich Town set to visit Old Trafford, United have the perfect opportunity to respond. The fixture also marks their first home game of the new campaign, with Carrick and his players hoping to give the supporters something to celebrate as they look to get their season back on track.

While new signing Carlos Baleba will not be available for this clash, Carrick will still be looking at adjustments he can make to the starting XI on Sunday.

United only failed to score once under Carrick last season - a goalless draw with Sunderland - but it has already happened in game one this term.

The defeat against Hull wasn't just worrying because of how the Reds defended but also due to the fact they barely created chances in the final third.

Benjamin Sesko had a couple of chances when he came off the bench, bringing more of a presence in the centre of attack, but the Slovenian is unlikely to be fit enough to start this encounter.

It was Matheus Cunha who operated in that role initially but the Brazilian is not a natural striker and drifts around the pitch. That can leave United without a focal point upfront.

That is why Carrick should opt to use Bryan Mbeumo through the middle of attack, even if there are doubts over Amad's involvement.

The Cameroonian played as a striker throughout most of pre-season and has an unbeaten record in that position under Carrick in competitive fixtures.

Both of United's defeats under the new boss last term came when Mbeumo was either playing on the right wing or coming off the bench. His record as the starting striker is seven wins and one draw.

"Bryan has done well since coming into the group. He’s been fantastic in different positions, and he’s a real team player," Carrick said of the former Brentford man this summer.

One of Mbeumo's best traits since arriving at United has been his eagerness to offer runs in behind defences. He made the most runs beyond opposition backlines of any Premier League player last term.

It is a skill that causes issues for other teams and helps create space for United to move the ball between the lines or over the top of defences.

Ipswich Town will not leave much space for United when they have the ball and so Carrick needs someone upfront who can cause issues for the backline, and Mbeumo is the best solution at the moment.

Using him upfront will also mean that Carrick has a choice to make at right-wing as Amad suffered a knock in training last week.

If the Ivorian is still unavailable, the United boss will likely have to decide between playing Cunha on that side, despite it not being his favoured position, or starting young Shea Lacey for the first time.