In attack, Cunha has become more productive in a deeper role behind the striker, cutting in from the left as he did at Wolves. United still require a classic No. 9 who can occupy defenders and be serviced by deliveries from wide.
Manchester United's next head coach will inherit a side that has conceded 30 goals in all competitions, more than any club in Europe's top five leagues, and a squad in which internal discipline has already broken into public view.
The defensive record is the starkest sign of a season that has left the club searching for another reset. No team in those leagues has conceded more, a tally that stands as the clearest worry facing whoever takes the job.
United fans know the person in the dugout cannot take all the blame, and that someone else has to be publicly accountable. At recent home games, a mix of expletives has been aimed at those above Carrick.
The Glazers have been instrumental in driving the club downwards in recent years. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment and his involvement in football operations have yielded little success.
The summer did little to close the gaps. Three central midfielders and a backup goalkeeper did not make for an inspiring window when it was already clear the squad required improvement in numerous positions.
On the pitch, the new head coach should pick a back four and stick with it where possible. Chopping and changing at the back has not answered a concession record that now leads Europe's major leagues.
Work rate has been another failing. Outrunning the opposition does not guarantee success, but United have looked pedestrian on far too many occasions this season.
Discipline will be just as urgent as selection. Bruno Fernandes was dropped after calling out his head coach's tactics, although Carrick said the decision was for football reasons.
Fernandes was soon back in the fold, and Martinez apologized for his outburst. Even so, internal discipline is an issue and will be central to getting the team back on track.
United will always draw more attention than almost any other club in the world. Creating a circus around a failing team merely complicates matters when there are already enough problems to sort out on the pitch.
The players need to harness their anger so that they create headlines for performances, not interviews. That, more than another round of public argument, is the standard the next head coach will be judged on.