The 2026/27 campaign was seen as one full of promise for Manchester United after finishing the previous campaign third under new boss Michael Carrick.

INEOS even backed the 45-year-old in his quest, subsequently handing him over £150m worth of funds to improve the senior ranks for the current campaign.

However, it’s safe to say that the manager has struggled to make the desired impact, with one area of his senior squad becoming a real issue at present.

Why Man United's attack is struggling in 2026/27

Despite spending £150m on new additions this summer, none of the funds were invested into the final third to improve Carrick’s attacking department.

However, five games into the new campaign, it appears INEOS’ reluctance to invest in such an area has already proven to be a massive mistake in their hunt for glory.

Bruno Fernandes is currently the Red Devils’ top goalscorer this campaign, with the attacking midfielder netting all of his goals during the 5-2 win over Ipswich Town.

The underlying stats behind United’s form this season also don’t make for good reading, and further highlight why the side have failed to rise up the table to date.

The Red Devils have registered the second-highest average of shots on target per 90, but have scored just eight times in five matches - with 63% of those efforts coming against the Tractor Boys.

Why Man Utd won't improve until Rashford is replaced

As part of the attacking unit at Old Trafford, Marcus Rashford has been reinstalled into the senior ranks after spending last season on loan at Spanish giants Barcelona.

Such a decision was seen as a masterstroke from the hierarchy after he impressed in LaLiga, but it’s safe to say Carrick’s continued faith is now becoming an issue.

The winger has started four of the club’s five league games this campaign, but has ultimately failed to deliver when handed the opportunity to impress from the start.

The 28-year-old, who’s featured off the left-hand side of the attack, has only achieved an 11% cross success rate - subsequently placing him below 75% of forwards in England’s top-flight.

He’s also failed to create any big changes, resulting in him failing to register a single goal or assist - further showcasing his struggles within attacking areas this term.

How Man Utd can replace Rashford

Despite the struggles at the back in games against Hull City and Manchester City, it’s clear that the biggest issue in Carrick’s squad at present is the lack of attacking threat.

The likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, who cost a combined £200m last summer, have only registered four combined goals so far this term.

Their struggles have contributed to United’s lowly league standing so far this season, which further highlights the need for added reinforcements this January.

Brentford winger Kevin Schade has been mentioned as a potential transfer target for the Red Devils in recent months, with his name once again appearing on their radar.

It’s been reported by Round Table that Carrick’s men continue to track the German’s progress between now and the upcoming window with a view to making a move.

Their report also states that Arsenal are continuing to monitor the 24-year-old’s progress, which could lead to a possible transfer battle between the sides in the months ahead.

Other outlets have since claimed that any deal could well prove to be an expensive one, with the Bees expected to demand at least £60m to sanction a possible sale.

Whilst such a deal may seem pricey, it would be a phenomenal move for Carrick’s men, as the attacker has already made a tremendous start to the 2026/27 campaign.

Schade has netted three times in his first five appearances to date, whilst also managing to massively outperform Rashford in various key areas to date.

The German international has registered more shots on target so far this campaign, whilst also completing more crosses - highlighting his impressive ability within attacking areas.

The latter of the two stats ranks him in the top 8% of forwards in Europe this term, highlighting why he would be a phenomenal addition to Carrick’s senior ranks.

His dominance over the Englishman is further reflected in his higher aerial duels won tally, which could see the Red Devils secure the services of another threat in the air.

Schade’s ability to arrive at the back post is one which could hand Carrick the added threat he’s desperately been craving over the last couple of months.

£60m would be an excellent price for a player who has proven quality within England’s top-flight, and one who can massively develop further in the years ahead.

Any move would see Rashford fall back down the pecking order at Old Trafford, but such a call would be the right decision if the club are to achieve success.