Manchester United is a club where the noise never stops. If you’re looking for the latest name on the scoresheet, you’ve likely noticed that the vibes around Old Trafford right now are, well, complicated. Following a chaotic start to January 2026, the goal-scoring burden has shifted onto some new faces while the old guard tries to find its feet under a brand-new regime.
Honestly, tracking Manchester United goal scorers today isn't just about the names; it's about a team in the middle of a massive identity crisis. With Michael Carrick officially taking the reins as head coach on January 13, 2026, the tactical setup is changing by the hour.
The Recent Hits: Who is Actually Finding the Net?
If we look at the most recent competitive action, the headlines were dominated by a familiar sense of "too little, too late." In the FA Cup third-round clash against Brighton on January 11, the lone bright spot for United was Benjamin Šeško. He bagged a header in the 85th minute, but it wasn't enough to stop a 1-2 defeat that dumped United out of the competition.
That goal was significant for Šeško. It was his third goal in two games, following a vital brace he scored in the 2-2 draw against Burnley just days prior. The Slovenian striker is finally starting to look like the clinical finisher the fans were promised.
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But here’s the thing. While Šeško is the man of the moment, the season-long stats tell a slightly different story. As of mid-January 2026, the scoring charts look like this:
- Bryan Mbeumo: 7 goals (6 in the Premier League)
- Bruno Fernandes: 5 goals
- Benjamin Šeško: 5 goals
- Matheus Cunha: 4 goals
- Casemiro: 4 goals
Mbeumo has been the most consistent threat, but he’s currently away on international duty with Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations. This has left a massive hole in the attack that Carrick is desperately trying to fill.
Why Manchester United Goal Scorers Today Are Struggling for Consistency
It’s easy to point at the strikers, but the service has been patchy. Under the brief interim spell of Darren Fletcher and the final days of Ruben Amorim, United’s xG (expected goals) was actually decent—hovering around 38.34 in the league—but they’ve only converted 36.
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Basically, they’re creating chances but failing the "eye test" when it matters.
The Rise of the Youth and the Fall of the Veterans
We have to talk about Matheus Cunha. He’s been a workhorse, often dropping deep to link play, which explains why he only has four goals despite being a near-constant presence. Then you’ve got the wingers. Amad Diallo has shown flashes of brilliance, like that late winner against City back in December 2024, but this season he’s only managed two goals so far.
And what about Joshua Zirkzee? He finally broke a massive 24-game goal drought recently with a strike against Wolves, but he’s still struggling to find a rhythm. It’s tough. You can see the talent, but the confidence just isn't there yet.
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Tactical Shifts Under Michael Carrick
Carrick is a "detail-oriented" guy. Players like Šeško have already come out in interviews—literally this morning—praising his approach. The hope is that a more structured midfield will allow the likes of Mason Mount (3 goals) and Bruno Fernandes to play higher up the pitch.
United’s next massive test is the Manchester Derby on January 17. Given that they've failed to score in four of their last five home league games against City, the pressure on the current crop of forwards is immense.
Understanding the Scoring Trends
If you're betting on or just tracking the team, keep an eye on these specific patterns:
- Set Piece Threats: Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt have both chipped in with goals this season. With United struggling for fluid open-play goals, these "scrappy" set-piece moments are becoming their bread and butter.
- Late Drama: United has developed a habit of scoring in the final 10 minutes. Whether it's Šeško's header against Brighton or Bruno's late penalties, they don't stop until the whistle.
- The Mbeumo Absence: With their top scorer at AFCON, the goal-scoring responsibility is currently split between Šeško and Cunha.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking for the most likely Manchester United goal scorers today or in the upcoming derby, focus on Benjamin Šeško. His recent form—3 goals in his last 2 appearances—makes him the primary target man. However, don't sleep on Bruno Fernandes. He is still the primary penalty taker and leads the team in assists (8), meaning he is always involved in the final third.
To stay ahead of the curve, monitor the starting lineups for Shea Lacey. The 18-year-old enlivened the game against Brighton before his red card; if Carrick trusts the youth, Lacey could be the wildcard that resets United's stagnant attack. Keep a close watch on the pre-match fitness reports for Casemiro, as his late arrivals into the box have provided four crucial goals this term, often when the strikers are being marked out of the game.