Teddy Sheringham: If Šeško not injured, Man Utd wouldn't in relegation zone even if he didn't score

Teddy Sheringham believes Manchester United "would not be anywhere near" the relegation zone if Benjamin Šeško were fit.

With Benjamin Šeško out injured, Manchester United lack a true center forward. Sheringham believes the team would be in a much better situation if he had been available in recent weeks.

"We used to say your strength is only as good as your two center forwards. Now you only have one forward on the pitch, and if that forward can't hold up the ball, can't retain possession, can't put pressure on the two center-backs, can't turn and run into space behind, can't do all the hard work that a proper center forward should do, the whole team falls apart," Sheringham said.

"You see the ball constantly going to Bryan Mbeumo's feet and then immediately back to the opposition, which puts you under pressure.

"I know every position on the pitch is important, but sometimes the goalkeeper and center forward can save you. If you don't have a center forward who knows how to play that position, you'll struggle. The whole team will struggle.

"If Benjamin Šeško had never been injured, Manchester United would not be anywhere near the relegation zone right now, even if he didn't score a single goal."

Nevertheless, Sheringham also explained why now is the right time for Manchester United to sack Carrick.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Manchester United were already sounding out Carrick's successor. Even if it's just trying to make calls and ask who would be available if this or that happened," Sheringham added.

"I mean, how long can you wait? They are currently 18th in the league. I don't want Carrick to lose his job, but you only keep going if you see signs of improvement, and all we're seeing from Manchester United is the same mistakes being repeated.

"It's absurd that after that brilliant winning streak under Carrick at the end of last season, they can't even respond now. This setup is very strange. I know they say there are no plans to change the manager, but that's just another form of a vote of confidence.

"If it's a problem with the coaching staff, if it's a problem with S. Holland, the responsibility still lies with Carrick. Carrick brought these people in, and the ultimate responsibility is his. Whatever happens, good or bad, the responsibility is on Carrick. If something is wrong, he should fix it, and I believe he is dealing with it, but the whole situation looks very unstable."