Hammers Spoil Carrick's Perfect Winning Streak
Michael Carrick's impressive four-game winning streak as Manchester United's interim head coach concluded on Tuesday evening, February 10, with the 1-1 draw against West Ham. While the result meant United avoided their first defeat under Carrick, extending his unbeaten run, it halted the perfect winning start that had energized the squad.West Ham, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, executed a tactical plan that effectively stifled the visitors for much of the match.[goal+13]
Carrick, currently in his second interim stint with the club, acknowledged his team's performance fell short of expectations. "We definitely weren't at our best," Carrick told reporters after the match, adding that United lacked "that sharpness or that spark" to break down West Ham's defense.His initial interim spell in 2021 also saw him leave with an undefeated record, comprising two wins and one draw.This latest draw means his current unbeaten run continues for a fifth game.[manutd+10]
Shaw's Defensive Error Paves Way for Soucek Opener
West Ham took the lead in the 50th minute through Tomas Soucek, a goal that stemmed from a significant defensive miscue by Manchester United defender Luke Shaw. Shaw was identified as the "main culprit" for the goal, making a "big mistake" by failing to clear his lines and then mistiming a subsequent tackle.This defensive lapse allowed Jarrod Bowen to deliver a cross, which Soucek met at the near post to put the Hammers ahead.[goal+11]
Shaw's performance earned him a low rating, with Goal.com giving him a 4/10 and The Peoples Person assigning a 2/10.Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo were also cited for not doing enough to prevent Soucek from scoring.Fans on social media heavily criticized Shaw's "bounce-and-blunder masterclass," accusing him of costing the team crucial points.[goal+9]
Sesko's Late Heroics Salvage a Point
As the match entered its closing stages, Manchester United appeared headed for a defeat until substitute Benjamin Sesko delivered a crucial equalizer in the 96th minute. Sesko, who joined Manchester United in the summer of 2025, came off the bench in the 69th minute to provide a much-needed focal point in attack.His "brilliant flicked finish" from a Bryan Mbeumo cross found the top corner, securing a 1-1 draw for United.[goal+18]
This late strike was Sesko's second last-gasp goal in three games, following a winner against Fulham.His impactful cameo earned him an 8/10 rating, highlighting his growing influence under Carrick.Sesko's goal not only snatched a point but also "saved Luke Shaw's blushes" by mitigating the impact of the earlier defensive error.Despite the personal triumph, Sesko expressed mixed feelings, stating, "I am happy with my finish but not happy with the draw."[si+9]
Tactical Battle and Player Performances
The match at the London Stadium was a testament to West Ham's defensive organization, which largely frustrated Manchester United's attacking efforts. United struggled to create convincing chances, registering a low expected goals (xG) figure of 0.57 compared to West Ham's 1.11.Carrick admitted his tactical approach might have leaned "a bit too far towards control" against a West Ham side dangerous on turnovers.[utddistrict+2]
Among other United players, Harry Maguire delivered a solid performance before being substituted for Leny Yoro, who made crucial defensive blocks late in the game.Casemiro had an equalizer disallowed for a marginal offside, while Kobbie Mainoo showed composure in possession.Despite the tactical challenges, Carrick praised the team's spirit, noting their continued ability to score late goals under his leadership.[goal+13]
The draw leaves Manchester United in fourth place in the Premier League, with Carrick's unbeaten record intact, but the dropped points mark a halt to their recent winning momentum.The team will look to rectify their attacking struggles and defensive lapses in upcoming fixtures.[si+1]
