Rashford's impact and squad imbalance in midfield

In the second of a special three-part Manchester United Q&A, BBC Sport's Simon Stone looks at Marcus Rashford's squad impact and the midfield balance within the side.

Teck: Has Marcus Rashford's inclusion caused an imbalance in terms of the dynamics of the team, especially the forward line?

Simon: Hi, Teck. I'm reluctant to go down this route. Rashford has been one of United's biggest threats in attack this season.

I am more inclined to believe the combination of Benjamin Sesko and Amad Diallo both being injured has caused the major issue as it has prevented Bryan Mbeumo being used in a central attacking role, which I am pretty sure would have been the preference.

Mbeumo was used as the main striker in pre-season and did quite well. If I refer back to Paul's question previously, with Sesko and Amad out, Michael Carrick has a choice.

Does he stick with Mbeumo as the front man, then use Shea Lacey on the right, and then pick Rashford or Matheus Cunha on the left, and leave the other player out? Or, does he use Cunha or Rashford as the centre forward, and Lacey is then on the bench?

Cunha and Rashford both played at the World Cup. It would be a huge call to leave either out for an untested 19-year-old. With Sesko back on the injured list, Carrick needs Amad back pretty soon.

Tony: Is the midfield balance right or did Kobbie Mainoo need an experienced defensive midfielder to complement his skills and learn from?

Simon: Another good question. I am one of Kobbie Mainoo's biggest fans, but I do feel care needs to be taken over the formation of the midfield, because it is a reality United get overrun in the middle of the pitch.

In pre-season, Andrey Santos dovetailed well with Mason Mount. Santos seems to have a lot of energy, Mount has confidence on the ball and an eye for a pass. It was pre-season, but that combination was good.

When the Premier League campaign began, Mainoo and Youri Tielemans were the preferred partnership, but I'm not sure that balance works.

Santos has been away with Brazil, but it seemed Carrick was reluctant to trust him. In profile terms, it left United without someone who can instinctively smell danger before problems arise.

Carlos Baleba was fit enough to feature in a behind-closed-doors game against Lausanne-Sport on Friday and will presumably be in contention for the Tottenham game on Saturday.

It is very harsh to think the former Brighton man can solve all United's issues on his own, but he needs to hit the ground running.

Come back to this page later on Monday for the final part of the Q&A, which will focus on the Red Devils' transfer approach under Jason Wilcox and what areas Carrick needs to strengthen