Benjamin Sesko’s stoppage-time equaliser preserved Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start as Manchester United boss in a 1-1 draw with West Ham.
BENJAMIN Sesko’s stoppage-time equaliser preserved Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start as Manchester United interim manager in a dramatic 1-1 draw with West Ham United.
The Slovenian striker struck with just seconds remaining at the London Stadium to cancel out Tomas Soucek’s second-half opener. Carrick’s side had appeared destined for a first defeat in five matches under his leadership.
The result keeps United in fourth place in the Premier League, one point ahead of Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification. West Ham, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety.
Carrick had revitalised United with four consecutive wins since replacing the sacked Ruben Amorim. This disjointed display was the least impressive of his brief reign, but he will take heart from his players’ refusal to accept defeat.
“We showed great character at the end,” Carrick said. “It wasn’t our best performance, but we kept going and got our reward.”
West Ham forward Crysencio Summerville, with five goals in his previous five games, almost opened the scoring in the first half. His stinging strike was pushed away at full stretch by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
United struggled for rhythm and created few clear chances. Their best first-half opportunity saw Luke Shaw’s close-range effort cleared off the line by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The visitors paid for their lethargy five minutes after the interval. Soucek started and finished a swift counter-attack, meeting Jarrod Bowen’s low cross with a deft flick from five yards.
United thought they had equalised in the 63rd minute, but Casemiro’s header was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Joshua Zirkzee then headed inches wide in stoppage-time before Sesko’s late intervention.
Bryan Mbeumo swung in a teasing cross and Sesko guided his finish past West Ham keeper Mads Hermansen from 10 yards. The goal extended a peculiar social media pledge from United fan Frank Ilett, who has vowed not to cut his hair until the club wins five consecutive matches.
West Ham manager David Moyes was left to rue two dropped points. “To concede so late is a real sickener,” he said. “The players are devastated. We have to pick ourselves up quickly.”
The Sun Malaysia
