LONDON, England — Michael Carrick managed a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time against West Ham United, but the 1-1 draw at the London Stadium on Tuesday served as a reminder that not all of Manchester United‘s issues have been resolved with the change in management.
On the positive side, substitute Benjamin Sesko delivered a brilliant finish in the 96th minute, keeping Carrick’s unbeaten streak as United’s head coach intact.
It was a finish that Sir Alex Ferguson would have admired, and it ensured that the United supporters who braved the rainy conditions in London left with positive spirits.
Furthermore, Carrick can take pride in the fact that West Ham was limited to just a goal from Tomáš Souček shortly after the interval.
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However, challenges remain.
Sesko’s timely goal was needed because United spent considerable periods failing to create meaningful chances.
This match presented a new challenge for Carrick compared to previous outings against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur.
West Ham, fighting to climb out of the relegation zone, opted to defend deeply and cede possession. United dominated with nearly 65% ball control but only managed three shots on target.
Fortunately for Carrick, the last of those was a stroke of improvisation from Sesko, showcasing why he is one of the world’s most promising young talents following his transfer to Old Trafford this summer. It was an impressive goal, but it meant the team would have to wait for their fifth consecutive win, leaving the fan hoping to cut his hair in limbo a little longer. United’s winning streak was brought to an end.
“I have mixed feelings,” Carrick admitted afterward. “We know we weren’t at our best, and credit goes to West Ham for that. There’s definitely room for improvement. The players were a bit frustrated and disappointed, which is actually a good sign for me.
“Scoring a late equalizer when we needed it adds a positive twist to the match and shows we can still create magic.”
When asked in the post-match interview about the “stodgy” nature of the performance, Carrick agreed that it was indeed an apt description.
Apart from Sesko’s goal, Luke Shaw had a shot cleared off the line from a corner, Casemiro saw a goal disallowed by VAR, and Joshua Zirkzee headed one wide; that was pretty much the extent of United’s threats.
The difficulty in breaking down resolute teams is a long-standing issue, predating Carrick’s tenure. One could argue that the inherited squad’s limitations made his task even more challenging against West Ham.
With a 3-4-3 system from Ruben Amorim, there was no room for wingers, leading to the departures of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony.
West Ham’s manager Nuno Espirito Santo instructed his players to remain organized and compact, making it a match where speed on the wings could have been advantageous. Lacking that option on the bench, Carrick was compelled to seek an equalizer in alternative ways, which he indeed attempted.
Amorim faced criticism for not taking enough risks while pursuing victories, but Carrick appears committed to making bold decisions. He applied lessons from Ferguson, bringing on Sesko with 20 minutes to play and later swapping defender Diogo Dalot for another attacker in Zirkzee when the initial plan didn’t yield immediate success.
This strategy could have failed, but Leny Yoro was crucial in preserving United’s chances with two vital defensive blocks as West Ham threatened to break away and score a second.
Ultimately, Sesko’s strike marked the third late goal Carrick has orchestrated since taking charge, adding to the last-minute winners against both Arsenal and Fulham.
“Taking risks is worthwhile to salvage something from the game,” Carrick stated. “Leny deserves credit for his two critical defensive efforts during West Ham’s counter-attack, as those moments were pivotal in giving us the opening we needed to find the goal.”
“We had no choice but to pursue our chances and maintain the pressure.”
Late goals and thrilling finishes have defined Carrick’s initial month in command. With 12 days until the next match against Everton on February 23, he now has some time to regroup, which he acknowledged the players need.
“It’s a necessary opportunity for a reset,” he noted. “A few players are nursing injuries that we can address now.
“We can also focus on refining our strategies. It’s crucial for everyone to take a moment to breathe, reflect on our progress, and return stronger. We’ll utilize this time effectively.”
Despite the draw at the London Stadium, where United hasn’t won since 2021, it shouldn’t greatly hinder Carrick’s positive trajectory. He remains undefeated in five games, and a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League spot is still possible.
West Ham highlighted certain issues for Carrick to tackle, particularly with upcoming matches against Everton and Crystal Palace. However, another late equalizer indicates that the excitement is still very much alive — even if the celebratory haircut must wait.