Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes it’s time for manager Ruben Amorim to rethink his attacking setup — and that includes benching big-money summer signing Benjamin Sesko. Instead, Hargreaves is calling for a switch that puts Bryan Mbeumo up front and Bruno Fernandes back in his natural creative role, hoping to spark a turnaround in United’s stuttering season.
Hargreaves Questions United’s Summer Strategy
Manchester United splashed a combined £145 million this summer on Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo as part of a £200 million-plus transfer overhaul under the INEOS regime. Despite the heavy investment, the results have been underwhelming.
Sesko, signed from RB Leipzig for around £74 million, has started just four of his seven games and only opened his goal account in the recent 3-1 defeat to Brentford — Mbeumo’s former club. Meanwhile, Mbeumo, who cost close to £71 million after a standout 20-goal season with the Bees, has also struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just once in the Premier League so far.
Bruno Fernandes Misused, Says Hargreaves
Hargreaves, speaking on TNT Sports, criticized the tactical approach that has forced Bruno Fernandes to operate in a deeper midfield role.
“They signed proven Premier League players like Mbeumo and Cunha to get goals — and I like that,” said Hargreaves. “But Bruno’s being asked to play box-to-box when he’s one of the best creators in the league. It’s not his game.”
The former England international argued that Fernandes needs to return to the No.10 position, where he thrived last season. Hargreaves also highlighted how both Fernandes and Amad Diallo were United’s standout players playing as dual 10s, yet the club added even more attacking midfielders in the form of Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo.
Ideal Line-Up: Mbeumo as Striker, Bruno in the Hole
“I’d love to see Mbeumo start as a No.9,” Hargreaves continued. “Let Bruno play as a true 10 with Cunha alongside him. That could unlock their attack. Even putting Amad at left wing-back might help balance the system if Amorim sticks with this formation.”
He emphasized that the criticism aimed at Fernandes is unfair, noting the Portuguese star’s consistent performances and leadership.
“I can’t imagine where they’d be without him,” Hargreaves said. “He’s been the heartbeat of the team, especially in tough moments.”
Merson Backs Mateta Over Sesko
Hargreaves isn’t alone in his skepticism about Sesko’s fit. Pundit Paul Merson recently questioned United’s decision to sign the Slovenian striker, suggesting they overlooked a more Premier League-proven option in Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace.
“Sesko’s not going to score — no one’s crossing the ball to him,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Footballpodcast. “Cunha and Mbeumo play off instinct. He’s just not getting the service.”
Merson believes Mateta, who has been a consistent presence for Palace, would have been a better fit for United’s current needs. “He’s strong, leads the line, and gives defenders problems. But he’s not a ‘fashionable’ name so United passed.”
With results stalling and key players out of position, Manchester United’s tactical issues are under the microscope. As pressure builds on Ruben Amorim, calls from pundits like Hargreaves and Merson may force a rethink — especially regarding how best to utilize Bruno Fernandes and whether Sesko deserves a continued starting role.
