Sherwood's Scathing Assessment: Ten Hag Signings Ugarte and Zirkzee Have No Place at United

Michael Carrick's remarkable renaissance at Manchester United shows no signs of slowing down, yet former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has wielded the axe on several of the club's current roster, particularly those inherited from Erik ten Hag's tenure.

Since taking the reins in interim capacity following Ruben Amorim's January 2026 departure, Carrick has orchestrated a complete transformation. His perfect four-match record has propelled United into the top four and within touching distance of Champions League qualification for next season. The contrast is stark: before his arrival, the Red Devils had managed just eight league victories, meaning Carrick now accounts for a third of their entire seasonal tally.

Yet Sherwood, speaking to Casinostugan, has been unsparing in his judgment of certain squad members. Both Ugarte and Zirkzee, signed during ten Hag's tenure, find themselves in the firing line, with Sherwood insisting neither "should be anywhere near a Manchester United shirt."

Benjamin Sesko occupies a different category in Sherwood's assessment. The striker has shown glimpses—notably bagging against Burnley and scoring the winner at Fulham—but the former Spurs boss remains unconvinced. "The jury is still out for me," he explained, particularly referencing Sesko's performances under Amorim.

The fundamental issue, according to Sherwood, concerns tactical flexibility. Sesko's pressing intensity and work rate differ markedly from Mbeumo's contribution out of possession, which could necessitate wholesale changes to how Carrick's side operates defensively. "He's a little bit one-paced without the ball," Sherwood noted, suggesting that while not inherently problematic, it forces United into a different defensive shape.

However, Sherwood acknowledged Sesko's youth and potential for development at "the biggest club in the world." Should the young forward embrace a super-sub role with the right mentality, there remains scope for growth. Yet as a guaranteed starter, Sherwood harbours serious reservations about whether United can maintain the intensity they've displayed during Carrick's opening half-hours with Sesko leading the line.