Manchester United were underwhelming against West Ham and it also brought an end to Michael Carrick’s winning streak as head coach.
Michael Carrick winning four successive games at the start of his interim spell had Manchester United fans on cloud nine, but a frustrating 1-1 draw to West Ham was a humbling reality check.
It could have been worse but for Benjamin Sesko’s superb equaliser in injury time, which rescued a vital point in the push for Champions League qualification.
What did Michael Carrick get right with his game management vs West Ham?
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But the reality is that United looked toothless for much of the match against a well-organised low-block defence.
Carrick made some good in-match decisions to help United pick up a point at the London Stadium, but he was left ruing one mistake in his post-match comments.
Michael Carrick looking stern towards camera.
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
Michael Carrick wanted more from Man United vs West Ham
Heading into the match, United had a terrible record at the London Stadium, and unfortunately, Carrick wasn’t able to bring that to an end.
He can take pride in United’s fighting spirit, though, and the equaliser came as a result of his risk-taking on the sidelines. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, though, Carrick wanted more passes into the 18-yard box from his players.
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“It’s important that we threw everything at it at the end and had a lot of forwards on the pitch,” Carrick said. “We could probably have put a few more balls in the box if we’re honest really.”
“With the players we’ve got. Josh had a chance that went just wide and then it was a great finish from Benji [Sesko].”
Man United lacked threat vs West Ham
Free-flowing and risk-taking football has epitomised Carrick’s style of play in recent weeks, but United faced a new challenge altogether on Tuesday.
A fluid attack of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes were starved of space in the final third, and there are some concerning statistics from the performance.
United only took 21 touches in the opposition box and only completed seven crosses in the entire match.
READ MORE: Man Utd player ratings vs West Ham, Sesko saves the day but 3/10 teammate was horrendous
Carrick is right, United needed to take more risks and gamble on an opportunity arising from passes into the box.
With a two-week break for United before the next match, it is time for Carrick and his staff to prove they can rectify the mistakes made against the Hammers.
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