Darren Bent believes Carrick should start Cunha and bench Rashford for Manchester United's derby against Manchester City.

Bent argues that while Rashford has looked sharper this season, he hasn't had a consistent run of games. Rashford started 2 of Manchester United's first 3 Premier League matches this season, coming off the bench in the opening fixture. He didn't feature in United's 4-0 Champions League win over FK Shkëndija, with the Manchester derby just two days away.

Rashford will be hoping to start in a Manchester derby for the first time since the 2024 Community Shield against Manchester City. Since then, he has had loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona before returning to United. Rashford has 22 appearances against Manchester City for United, scoring 5 goals and providing 1 assist.

On talkSPORT Drive, Bent responded to Troy Deeney's claim that fans are more patient with Rashford. Deeney believes Rashford, a Manchester United academy product, receives more tolerance, while players like Cunha don't get the same treatment.

Bent said: "It's normal that academy players at any club get more time than others. They're part of the club, and of course, they'll get an extra bit of opportunity."

Bent also discussed United's attacking options: "Rashford looks sharper this season. Cunha has played very well, and Mbeumo has also played very well. Now you have a lot of high-performing options, and they're all scoring goals—that's really a good problem to have. If it were me, I'd pick Mbeumo, Sesko, and then have Cunha play from the left wing."

When asked why he would bench Rashford, Bent replied: "I think that's slightly harsh because Mbeumo has played quite a few games on the bounce. Rashford hasn't really had a consistent run; you only see Rashford at his best when he's playing regularly."

Bent believes this derby holds more significance for Rashford than most other players, given he's from Manchester and has scored in several derbies. However, Bent stressed that Carrick must choose the team that gives United the best chance of winning: "Cunha is playing well, and Sesko is also playing well. If you think that combination is best for United to win, then that's what you should do."

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