See this thread on the same theme. https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=78114

I was going to suggest to mrdun in his thread about removing cavalry that he might as well try just controlling his general unit and allowing the AI to control the rest of the troops. Providing your strategy on the campaign map is good, you should still triumph over the AI even if you suffer greater losses by just having one unit under your control.

I was going to attempt such a mini-campaign myself controlling just a general or hero unit but my game is forever being modded and currently not fully playable.

Recommendations - play the game with all the UI options off like the map and unit cards. Lock the camera on the sole unit you control, zoom down low and pump up the bass and sound effects. It's great fun when the battle goes in your favour! Very cinematic.