Manchester United s forward restructuring under the 3-4-2-1 system: How does Sheshko join the offensive system reshape the Red Devils?

After experiencing the trough of the 2024-25 season, Manchester United has begun to restructure the roster for the upcoming season.

In view of last season's struggle performance at the end of the front line, the Red Devils decided to invest heavily in the forward position. The departure of Marcus Rashford and the abandonment of Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony and Jayden Sancho forced Manchester United to spend huge sums of money to sign up. The defense and midfield remained largely the same - except for the introduction of 18-year-old full-back Diego Leon - but Ruben Amorin's forward line has been strengthened, Mattus Cunia and Brian Mbeumo joined one after another, while Benyamin Sheshko became the next big-name player to land in Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old center signing aims to solve Manchester United's goal-scoring puzzle, and the club has spent a lot of money on the Slovenian international. After signing the contract at Old Trafford, he also carried extremely high expectations. How will

Sheshko integrate into Manchester United?

Rasmus Hoylen and Joshua Zilkze should be careful, Sheshko is here to seize their position. The 6-foot-5 (1.95m) tall player is a traditional No. 9 player who will immediately enter the center position in Amorin's 3-4-2-1 formation, and he has never played any other position on the front line.

Sheshko will occupy the most common position last season for Rasmus Hoylen, and he is expected to assume similar responsibilities to the Danish international — although he must perform better than the new teammate. Amorin will ask him to hold the ball effectively, creating space for the two inside forwards, while using his own speed to break through the opponent's defense.

Sheshko needs more support from two Manchester United midfielders than Rasmus Hoylen last season, but the arrival of Cunya and Mbeumo should help relieve the burden of creativity that almost fell on the shoulders of captain Bruno Fernandez. The two new players will move behind Sheshko, deliver balls for him in dangerous areas and roam to the wings to create space for the tall forward.

Bruno Fernandez will naturally retreat deeper and become a member of Amorin's double midfield, which will allow him to have a greater impact on the game, but will also weaken the Red Devils' defense in the middle. Casemiro, whose form has rebounded recently, may start the new season as his partner, but Manuel Ugat and Kobe Menu will also compete for a seat in the midfield.

At least for the time being, Manchester United's three central defenders, full-backs and goalkeepers are consistent with last season. Manchester United's defense does need to be strengthened, but due to the priority of strengthening the front line this summer, there is limited funds available.

Diogo Dalot's defensive play on the right may offset Patrick Dogu's offensive effort. Mattes de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Lenny Yoro may be the three central defenders selected. Currently, Andre Onana is Amorin's preferred goalkeeper, but he may miss the early season game due to injury.