LONDON, England -- Michael Carrick managed to inspire a trademark late equaliser at West Ham United, but Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at the London Stadium served as a reminder that a managerial change alone has not fixed all of Manchester United’s issues.
The positives came first. Substitute Benjamin Sesko delivered a brilliant finish in the 96th minute to preserve Carrick’s unbeaten start as United manager.
It was the kind of dramatic finale Sir Alex Ferguson would have admired, and ensured the travelling supporters who endured the London rain returned home with their spirits lifted.
Carrick could also take encouragement from the fact West Ham created little apart from Tomáš Souček’s goal shortly after the interval.
However, there were still concerns to address.
Sesko’s late heroics were required because for long periods United struggled to carve out clear chances.
This represented a different challenge for Carrick following matches against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
West Ham, fighting for survival near the foot of the table, were content to sit deep, stay compact and allow United possession. United enjoyed close to 65% of the ball but registered only three shots on target.
Fortunately for Carrick, the final one came from Sesko, whose instinctive brilliance once made him one of the most highly rated young players in world football before his summer move to Old Trafford. It was a superb strike, but not enough to secure a fifth straight victory — and the fan who vowed not to cut his hair until that streak arrived must wait a little longer. Only United’s winning run came to an end.
“Mixed feelings, to be honest,” Carrick said afterwards. “We know we weren’t quite at our best and credit to West Ham for that. We can improve. The lads are frustrated and disappointed, which is a really good sign for me.
“Finishing with a late goal when we had to find one is positive and shows we can do that.”
Asked in his post-match press conference whether the display felt “stodgy,” the former England midfielder agreed it was “a good word” to describe it.
Aside from Sesko’s goal, Luke Shaw had an effort cleared off the line from a corner, Casemiro saw a header ruled out by VAR, and Joshua Zirkzee headed wide — and that was largely it.
Difficulty breaking down stubborn opponents is not a new problem and predates Carrick’s appointment. It could also be argued that his task at West Ham was made harder by the squad he inherited.
With Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system not requiring traditional wingers, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony were all allowed to leave.
Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo instructed his team to remain disciplined and compact, and the match perhaps called for pace out wide to stretch a well-organised defence. Carrick had no such options on the bench and had to seek other solutions in pursuit of an equaliser. At least he attempted to change the game.
Amorim had been criticised for being too cautious when chasing matches, and Carrick appears keen to show he is willing to take risks. That influence clearly comes from Ferguson. Sesko was introduced with 20 minutes remaining and, when that did not immediately pay off, defender Diogo Dalot was replaced by another forward in Zirkzee.
The gamble nearly backfired, but Leny Yoro produced two crucial late blocks as West Ham threatened to score again on the counter.
In the end, Sesko struck United’s third goal after the 87th minute since Carrick took charge, following late winners against both Arsenal and Fulham.
“It’s always worth it to take a risk and try to get something from the game,” Carrick said. “Credit to Leny. His two defensive actions on the counter-attack were massive moments and gave us the chance to score.
“We had to go for it and try to get something.”
Late goals and dramatic finishes in big matches have given Carrick’s first month in charge a whirlwind feel. With 12 days before United face Everton on Feb. 23, he now has time to reset. He admitted the squad needs it.
“It’s a chance to refresh,” he said. “A few lads have knocks and niggles and strains that we can sort out.
“Then we can do some good work. They need a bit of a breather, to take stock of where we are, take a deep breath and come back stronger. We’ll make the most of it.”
A draw at the London Stadium — where United have not won since 2021 — will not significantly stall Carrick’s momentum. He has now overseen five matches without defeat, and qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League remains within reach.
West Ham highlighted problems Carrick must solve, especially with Everton and Crystal Palace coming up next. But another late goal keeps the excitement alive — even if the long-awaited buzz cut must wait a little longer.
