Michael Carrick has been handed two potential solutions as Manchester United look to address a weakness that hampered them throughout last season: a lack of pace in attack.
While United's newly assembled front three of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo has largely impressed, the deficiency is particularly evident on the left flank, where Cunha has predominantly operated. The Brazilian enjoyed an encouraging debut campaign at Old Trafford, registering 10 goals and four assists, but his game is built more on technical quality and intelligent movement than explosive speed.
Rashford set for return
One player capable of providing blistering pace is Marcus Rashford, who appears set to return to United following his loan spell at Barcelona. A permanent move to the Spanish champions had looked likely earlier this year, but the club's £70million move for Anthony Gordon appears to have ended Rashford's hopes of staying in Catalonia.
If he stays at Old Trafford, Rashford would offer Carrick something few of his attacking options possess: direct running and the ability to stretch opposition defences. Although not a new signing, Rashford's return effectively gives the head coach a new tactical dimension.
Thompson provides another option
United may also have another pacey option in new signing Tynan Thompson. The 18-year-old winger joined the club from Tottenham earlier this month in a deal worth an initial £4m, with a further £4m in performance-related add-ons.
It remains to be seen whether Thompson will feature in Carrick's first-team plans this season, but his electric speed and willingness to take on defenders offer a different attacking profile. Thompson is an England youth international who scored 13 goals and registered six assists across Spurs' Under-18s to Under-21s last season, including seven goals in seven UEFA Youth League games.
Transfer activity continues
Thompson became United's first attacking signing of the summer. Until then, the club's recruitment had focused on bolstering midfield, with deals for Chelsea's Andrey Santos and Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans completed earlier this month. United had also agreed a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but the transfer collapsed before it could be finalised. The club have since shifted attention to alternative targets, with AS Roma's Manu Kone and Brighton's Carlos Baleba reportedly being considered.
