Carrick’s Unbeaten Streak Continues Despite Draw with West Ham

omidbasir- LONDON, England — Michael Carrick managed to secure a late equalizer against West Ham United, but the 1-1 draw at the London Stadium on Tuesday serves as a reminder that many of Manchester United’s issues persist despite the managerial change.

On a positive note, substitute Benjamin Sesko delivered an impressive finish in the 96th minute, allowing Carrick to maintain his unbeaten start as United’s interim manager. The dramatic conclusion would have made Sir Alex Ferguson proud, sending United fans who braved the London rain back to Manchester with a sense of optimism.

Carrick can also take solace in the fact that West Ham was largely kept at bay, with the only goal conceded being from Tomáš Souček shortly after halftime.

However, there are significant concerns that need addressing. Sesko’s timely intervention was crucial, as United struggled to generate meaningful chances for extended periods of the match.

This contest presented a unique challenge for Carrick, especially following matches against high-profile teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur. West Ham, fighting for survival at the bottom of the table, adopted a defensive strategy, allowing United to control nearly 65% of possession yet managing only three shots on target.

Fortunately for Carrick, the last shot came from Sesko, showcasing the improvisational brilliance that made him one of the most promising young players globally before his summer transfer to Old Trafford. Despite the remarkable goal, United’s quest for a fifth consecutive win remains elusive, prolonging the anticipation for a fan waiting to cut his hair once the streak is achieved.

“Mixed feelings to be honest,” Carrick reflected post-match. “We know we weren’t quite at our best, and credit to West Ham for that. We can improve. The boys are frustrated and disappointed, which is a positive sign for me.”

He acknowledged the late equalizer as a positive development, stating, “Finishing with a late goal when we had to find one is a good moment.”

When asked if he felt the performance was ‘stodgy,’ Carrick agreed, deeming it an apt description. Aside from Sesko’s goal, Luke Shaw had a shot cleared off the line, Casemiro had a goal disallowed by VAR, and Joshua Zirkzee saw a header go wide, but the attacking effort fell short of expectations.

The difficulty in breaking down resilient defenses is a challenge that predates Carrick, and his task was complicated by the squad he has inherited. With no need for wingers in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, key players like Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony were allowed to leave.

West Ham’s manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, instructed his team to be organized and compact, making it a game that arguably called for pace on the wings to challenge a well-structured defense. Lacking options on the bench, Carrick had to explore alternative avenues for an equalizer.

Despite prior criticism of Amorim for not taking enough risks late in games, Carrick appears committed to a more daring approach. He introduced Sesko with 20 minutes remaining, and when that didn’t yield immediate results, opted to replace defender Diogo Dalot with another forward in Zirkzee.

This decision could have backfired, but Leny Yoro stepped up, making crucial defensive blocks as West Ham sought a second goal on the counterattack. Ultimately, Sesko scored United’s third late goal since Carrick took charge, following previous dramatic winners against Arsenal and Fulham.

“It’s always worth taking a risk to salvage something from the game,” Carrick remarked. “Credit to Leny; his defensive contributions were pivotal, allowing us the opportunity to equalize. We had to push for it.”

Carrick’s first month as manager has been characterized by late goals and thrilling victories, leaving a whirlwind impression. With a 12-day break before facing Everton on February 23, he acknowledges the need for rest. “This is a chance to refresh. Some players are carrying minor injuries that we can address. We’ll use this time effectively to come back stronger.”

A draw at the London Stadium, a venue where United hasn’t won since 2021, won’t significantly hinder Carrick’s progress. He has overseen five games without defeat, and a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League remains within reach.

While West Ham exposed some issues for Carrick to solve, particularly with upcoming matches against Everton and Crystal Palace, the late equalizer ensures that the team’s momentum continues, though the wait for a haircut will persist.