Michael Carrick's Manchester United side failed to score against Wrexham in Helsinki, highlighting a growing concern in pre-season. While Bruno Fernandes can add cutting edge, Carrick knows the team cannot rely on him every week.
Bryan Mbeumo had a slow start to pre-season, Patrick Dorgu was quiet, and Matheus Cunha is expected to return from World Cup duty with Brazil confident after scoring three times. The issue lies at centre-forward.
Sesko's injury worries
Benjamin Sesko flourished under Carrick in the second half of last season but was not a nailed-on starter. The 22-year-old has yet to return to full training after a shin injury ruled him out at the end of last season. He withdrew from international duty in March to nurse an ongoing fitness issue.
Mbeumo and Cunha can play through the middle but are needed on the wings. Joshua Zirkzee is willing to fight for his place but does not look good enough for the Premier League or Champions League, with nine goals in 75 games.
Striker search intensifies
United are in the market for an experienced striker to provide depth and cover for Sesko. If his injury issues continue, that player must step up and deliver. The club's data department has a shortlist, but signing a goalscorer is never easy.
Carrick needs more goals in the team. Zirkzee's return is insufficient, and there is a possibility he will lead the line at Hull City on the opening weekend if Sesko struggles and no new forward is signed. Recruitment has slowed at Old Trafford after a flurry of activity.
