Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick is pleased with his team’s resilient performance in a 1-1 draw at West Ham, which ended his four-match winning streak but extended their unbeaten run to nine Premier League games. The late equalizer by Benjamin Sesko in the 96th minute demonstrated a never-say-die attitude that Carrick compared to the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s approach.
Carrick, appointed on January 13 following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, has overseen a remarkable turnaround, guiding United to victories over title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as Fulham and Tottenham. This run has propelled the club to fourth place in the table, positioning them well for a Champions League qualification spot that seemed unlikely just a month ago. The draw at West Ham, while halting the winning momentum, was salvaged through Carrick’s bold tactical gamble in the closing minutes.
With United exiting both domestic cup competitions early, their schedule has become lighter, allowing Carrick to divide the remainder of the season into manageable blocks. The current break of 12 days until their next match at Everton provides an opportunity for players to recover from minor injuries and for the team to reflect on their progress. Carrick emphasized the importance of this period for refreshment and assessment, acknowledging that overall, the past month has been positive.
During the match at London Stadium, Carrick made a risky substitution in the 82nd minute, replacing defender Diogo Dalot with forward Joshua Zirkzee and switching to a back-three formation to push more players forward. This move, reminiscent of Ferguson’s willingness to gamble for late goals, paid off when Sesko scored the equalizer deep into stoppage time. Carrick admitted that the performance wasn’t perfect, but praised his team’s determination to fight until the end.
The equalizer was set up by key contributions from substitutes, including Leny Yoro’s crucial tackles and goalkeeper Senne Lammens’ saves, which prevented West Ham from scoring a second goal. Carrick highlighted the spirit within the squad, noting that such late heroics build confidence and camaraderie. He drew parallels to Ferguson’s era, where similar risks often led to dramatic victories, underscoring his commitment to an attacking philosophy even in difficult circumstances.
United’s improved form comes amid struggles for other top clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool, enhancing their chances for a top-four finish. Carrick’s approach has focused on instilling a resilient mindset, with players adapting to his methods quickly. The team’s ability to secure points from losing positions, as seen in late wins against Arsenal and Fulham, now adds another example with the West Ham draw, reinforcing their reputation for comebacks.
Looking ahead, Carrick will prepare for the next block of games, aiming to maintain consistency and solidify United’s position in the Champions League race. The draw at West Ham, while a minor setback, has provided valuable lessons and highlighted areas for improvement. With key players returning from injury and the squad morale high, Carrick is optimistic about the challenges ahead, embracing the Ferguson-inspired ethos of perseverance and ambition.
In conclusion, Carrick’s start at Manchester United has been marked by impressive results and a rejuvenated team spirit, with the late equalizer at West Ham symbolizing the resilient attitude he aims to cultivate. As the season progresses, his ability to sustain this momentum will be crucial in achieving the club’s objectives and perhaps securing the permanent manager role.
