Manchester United's defeat to newly-promoted Hull City has exposed a glaring gap in Michael Carrick's squad. The focus has been on midfield and a left-back, but the loss on Humberside revealed a more pressing need: a proper back-up striker to Benjamin Sesko.
United began the match with a fluid attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu. Hull, by contrast, relied on a straightforward strategy, with Lewie Coyle and Ryan Giles seeking out Oli McBurnie at every opportunity. United were alerted to that danger early when Noussair Mazraoui had to race back to clear the ball from the striker.
McBurnie proves too powerful
McBurnie forced a fine stop from Senne Lammens shortly before contributing to the opening goal. He proved too powerful at the far post as he hammered an attempt goalwards. Lammens' intervention thwarted him, but he was powerless to prevent Semi Ajayi converting the rebound. That established the pattern for Hull, who gained momentum from that point. United persisted with their intricate combination play but were fundamentally deficient in the attacking third.
Sesko's late introduction
Following the interval, Carrick recognised his side required adjustment. Marcus Rashford replaced Dorgu, Cunha shifted to the right and Mbeumo operated centrally. While Rashford provided some desperately-needed penetration, the perfect answer to unlocking Hull stayed on the bench. Sesko missed the whole of pre-season while recuperating from a shin injury sustained last season.
Sesko displayed glimpses last season of becoming the spearhead that United were missing. He commanded the attack, found the net and his physical presence would have been ideal against Hull's sturdy back three. When he finally entered the fray with barely more than 20 minutes left, it proved too late for the Red Devils. Carrick's options were limited with Sesko's introduction. The Slovenian had only resumed full training this week, and playing him any longer would have risked aggravating his injury or burning him out.
Transfer priorities before September 1
His contribution after coming on indicates Carrick might have introduced him prematurely. Nevertheless, when Rashford delivered a decent cross, Sesko attempted to meet the ball in a manner none of his attacking team-mates had managed throughout the match. United won't panic following the defeat. After all, much of their squad are still regaining match sharpness post-World Cup. But Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, who were present on Saturday lunchtime, must recognise what needs to be addressed before September 1.
Without Sesko available, United appear desperately lacking in the centre-forward department. The focus has been on midfield and Carlos Baleba will conclude the spending in that area. United are keen to recruit a left-back, but they must also identify a striker to provide Carrick with another attacking alternative. Joshua Zirkzee is not the man to spearhead the attack - that has been demonstrated on numerous occasions. What was evident in Hull is that Mbeumo and Cunha are 'in case of emergency' answers. United require a striker who can properly plug the gap when Sesko is unavailable. They have nine days to find that player.
