Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has publicly advised manager Michael Carrick to start Bryan Mbeumo ahead of Benjamin Sesko in the upcoming Premier League showdown against Arsenal. This recommendation comes amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness of both clubs' recent high-profile attacking signings.
The Historical Context of Arsenal vs Manchester United Striker Battles
Throughout Premier League history, clashes between Arsenal and Manchester United have frequently showcased some of English football's most formidable forwards. Iconic names like Ian Wright, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric Cantona, and Thierry Henry defined these encounters during the 1990s and early 2000s. The rivalry continued with stars such as Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, who famously switched allegiances from north London to Manchester.
Modern Striker Challenges in a Changed Game
Sheringham, who scored crucial goals during United's treble-winning 1998-1999 season, highlighted how the role of the centre-forward has evolved dramatically. 'Playing one up front is tough,' Sheringham told Metro. 'It takes a certain type of player to play that number nine role on their own. You have to lead the line, hold the ball up, run in behind, run the channels and score goals. It's a lot.'
He pointed out that modern tactical trends, with wingers frequently cutting inside to shoot rather than providing crosses, make the lone striker's job particularly demanding. 'Everyone cuts in and shoots – where is your service coming from? You're expected to score goals all on your own out of nothing. The game has changed. I wouldn't want to be playing that number nine role on my own.'
Sheringham's Analysis of Manchester United's Striker Situation
Manchester United invested £74 million to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig last summer, following the departure of Rasmus Hojlund after just two seasons. While Sesko has shown flashes of promise with three goals in two games recently, Carrick's decision to bench him against Manchester City in favour of Bryan Mbeumo raised eyebrows. Mbeumo's performance in that match contributed to what many described as United's most vibrant display of the season.
Sheringham acknowledged Sesko's potential but expressed reservations about his readiness for the immense pressure at Old Trafford. 'I have really liked what Sesko has done. He has had a tough job, same as Hojlund going in there. He is a very good player but it takes a certain type of player to lead the line for Manchester United. The expectation levels are huge.'
He contrasted Sesko's approach with that of past United legends. 'These two young lads haven't come in like Eric Cantona did all those years ago with his chest puffed out, thinking "I'm made for this situation." Like Wayne Rooney did. Sesko and Hojlund have both come in thinking, "I'm a good player, but this is a big place, I hope I do well." And that is a big difference.'
Sheringham concluded, 'I think he will be a good player, just not a great player at the moment. Some of his touches and some of his finishes recently have been really nice, really clever goals. But you need the experience and confidence, and without that, it is hard to lead the line.'
Arsenal's Parallel Striker Dilemma with Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal face their own questions about their £65 million summer signing, Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker arrived with an impressive record of 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting CP but has managed just five Premier League goals this season, with only one from open play in his last sixteen matches.
Despite this, Sheringham believes Mikel Arteta is justified in maintaining faith in Gyokeres, especially with recent goals against Chelsea and Inter Milan suggesting a possible upturn. 'Gyokeres is still the focal point doing his job for the team,' Sheringham observed. 'The average punter will be asking how many goals is he scoring, but he is doing what is asked of him. They are top of the Premier League, in the Champions League, in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, and still in the FA Cup. He must be doing something right.'
He emphasised Gyokeres' tactical importance. 'Take him out of the team, put Gabriel Jesus or Mikel Merino in there, they might not play the role quite as well. They will drop off, and sometimes you need to press the two centre-halves back, and he is doing that job. They have players in other positions scoring plenty, so it is not all on the centre-forward. But he still has to lead the line, keep the centre-halves pinned back, and he does that.'
Looking Ahead to the Emirates Stadium Encounter
As both clubs prepare for Sunday's match at the Emirates Stadium, Sheringham's insights underscore the complex challenges facing modern strikers at elite Premier League clubs. While Arsenal seem likely to persist with Gyokeres despite his modest goal return, Sheringham's advocacy for Mbeumo over Sesko highlights United's ongoing search for a consistent, commanding presence up front. This clash will test whether these expensive acquisitions can begin to emulate the legendary forwards who once defined this historic rivalry.
