According to a report by Sky Sports Premier League on Friday, October 16, 2026, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has dismissed suggestions that Manchester United’s struggles this season are primarily caused by a lack of backup options at left-back and striker.

Carragher argued that no club has two elite players for every position, particularly a team like United that has underperformed and missed out on Champions League qualification in recent seasons.

The former England international believes United have sufficient attacking options to compete, pointing to Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee and Bryan Mbeumo as players who offer strong alternatives.

He also compared United’s squad depth with that of Manchester City, arguing that City have their own positional compromises and do not have two top players in every role.

“No squad is perfect & has two top players for every position, especially one that’s underperformed & missed out on CL as much as Man Utd," he said.

Carragher further highlighted how both Manchester clubs have adapted players to different roles. He noted that City have used a midfielder as their first-choice right-back, while United’s Patrick Dorgu occupies a role comparable to the one Rico Lewis has played for City.

“Rashford/Cunha/Zirkzee/Mbeumo are better options than Man City have. City have a midfielder as 1st choice RB & the Lewis role is Dorgu at MU," he added.

Carragher’s comments challenge the argument that United’s results and performances can be explained by gaps in two positions. He believes wider issues within the team must be considered rather than placing the responsibility solely on the absence of another striker and a backup left-back.

“Anyone believing Man Utd’s results & performances this season are down to the fact they haven’t got a back up left back & another striker are deluded," he said.

His assessment places the focus on United’s overall performances and squad management rather than individual recruitment gaps. The comments also draw attention to the fact that competing clubs regularly make tactical adjustments when their preferred options are unavailable.

United will continue their Premier League campaign against Leeds United on Sunday, October 18, before facing Bournemouth the following weekend.