Carrick’s Five Game Report
Benjamin Sesko scored a stoppage-time equalizer to break West Ham’s hearts, but Manchester United were also denied their five-game winning streak.
Ever since Michael Carrick stepped in as interim manager, the Red Devils have been performing exceptionally well. They faced Man City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham and played superbly in all of those, also picking up twelve points from twelve. Last night was their fifth consecutive game under Carrick, and they went in search of that elusive fifth win. However, things did not go as planned, but Sesko saved them blushes and secured a vital point, to maintain Carrick’s unbeaten run.
West Ham is in the relegation zone, fighting for survival, but they have also been on a decent run, so this clash was never going to be as straightforward as you would expect for a rejuvenated United. The Hammers also defeated United in their last three visits to the Olympic Stadium. Despite all of that, it was the visitors who had the first proper chance on goal. Former United lad, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, denied his old side the opener in the first half when he cleared Luke Shaw’s effort off the line after a well-worked corner routine.
Five minutes after the break, the industrious Hammers skipper Jarrod Bowen did well to bully Shaw off the ball, only to cross into the box for Thomas Soucek to tap in from close range. United remained calm and thought they found the equalizer just after the hour mark, but Casemiro’s header was ruled out for offside. United were not at their sharpest, but they continued to go forward but West Ham’s low block was immense.
The never-say-die attitude under Carrick, which many would consider as part of the UNITED DNA, came to show deep into stoppage time. Bryan Mbuemo crossed in from the right flank only for the Slovenian sensation to produce an immaculate, acute finish to send the away fans into raptures. This was a point gained for United, and it showed their overall attitude, which we can clearly say is that United is back. The Red Devils are currently on 45 points in fourth place and in a strong position to secure Champions League football next season.
It is too early to make any claims of awarding Michael Carrick the full-time job, but if they go on to finish the season well and he gets the club European football, it is going to be difficult not to consider him as the best candidate for the long term. United will have a long break until their next game away to Everton on Monday, 23rd February.
