West Ham highlight the shortcomings of Carrick’s Manchester United team.

LONDON, England — Michael Carrick managed to produce a late equaliser against West Ham United, but the 1-1 draw at the London Stadium on Tuesday highlighted that not all of Manchester United’s challenges have been resolved with the managerial change.

Starting with the positives, substitute Benjamin Sesko delivered an exquisite finish in the 96th minute, preserving Carrick’s unbeaten record as United’s manager.

This dramatic conclusion would have made Sir Alex Ferguson proud, allowing the United supporters who braved the rain in London to return to Manchester with a sense of optimism.

Carrick can also take satisfaction in the fact that West Ham was limited to very few opportunities aside from Tomáš Souček’s goal shortly after the interval.

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However, there are still matters to address.

Sesko’s late intervention was crucial because, for extended periods, United found it difficult to generate any significant chances.

This presented a different challenge for Carrick following matches against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur.

West Ham, fighting for every point at the lower end of the table, opted to sit back, defend resolutely, and allow United to dominate possession. United held nearly 65% of the ball but managed only three shots on target.

Fortunately for Carrick, the last of those efforts came from Sesko, showcasing the kind of improvisational brilliance that established him as one of the most promising young talents globally prior to his summer transfer to Old Trafford. It was a commendable goal, but it was not sufficient to secure a fifth consecutive victory, prolonging the wait for the fan eager to cut his hair once the streak is finally achieved. Only United’s winning run was halted.

“Mixed feelings to be honest,” Carrick stated afterward. “We know we weren’t quite at our best, and credit to West Ham for that. We can improve. The players are a bit frustrated and disappointed with that, which is a very positive sign for me.

“Scoring a late goal when we needed one is a good moment and a positive indication that we can achieve that.”

When asked in his post-match press conference if he felt the performance was “stodgy,” the former England midfielder acknowledged that it was a “good word” to encapsulate the situation.

Aside from Sesko’s goal, Luke Shaw had a shot cleared off the line from a corner, Casemiro had a goal disallowed by VAR, and Joshua Zirkzee saw a header go wide — but that was largely the extent of United’s threat.

Challenges in breaking down resilient teams have been an issue that predates Carrick. One could argue that his task was made more difficult against West Ham due to the squad he has inherited.

With no requirement for wingers in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony were all permitted to depart.

Hammers manager Nuno Espirito Santo instructed his team to be organized and compact, and it was perhaps a match that called for pace on the flanks to stretch a well-drilled defense. Carrick had none of that available on the bench and thus had to seek an equaliser through alternative means. At least he made an effort.

Amorim faced criticism for not taking enough risks while pursuing a game, and Carrick appears determined to demonstrate that he is always willing to take chances. He likely learned this approach from Ferguson. Sesko was introduced with 20 minutes remaining, and when that did not yield immediate results, a defender — Diogo Dalot — was substituted for another forward in Zirkzee.

It could have backfired, but Leny Yoro saved United with two crucial blocks as West Ham threatened to score a second on the counter-attack.

Ultimately, Sesko was able to net 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 secure something from the game,” Carrick remarked. “Credit to Leny. His two defensive interventions during the counter-attack were significant moments, so he deserves considerable recognition for that, allowing us the opportunity to score.

“We had to push forward and attempt to gain something.”

Late goals and thrilling victories in significant matches have given the initial month of Carrick’s tenure a whirlwind atmosphere. With 12 days until United’s next match against Everton on Feb. 23, he finally has a moment to pause. He acknowledged afterward that the players require it.

“It’s a chance to refresh,” he stated. “A few players are dealing with knocks and minor injuries that we can address.

“Then we can engage in some productive work. They need a brief respite to reflect on our current position, take a deep breath, and return stronger. We’ll maximize this opportunity.”

A point at the London Stadium — a venue where United has not triumphed since 2021 — is unlikely to hinder Carrick’s progress significantly. He has overseen five matches without defeat, and a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League remains attainable.

West Ham highlighted issues for Carrick to resolve, especially with upcoming matches against Everton and Crystal Palace. However, another late goal ensures that the excitement remains — even if the buzz-cut will have to wait.