Michael Carrick’s flawless beginning as Manchester United’s interim manager finally hit a roadblock at the London Stadium, as the Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham. While the result ended United’s winning streak, a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser from Benjamin Sesko ensured Carrick remains unbeaten.
United struggled to impose themselves against Carrick’s boyhood club, with West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo executing a disciplined tactical setup that blunted the visitors for long periods. Tomas Soucek struck shortly after half-time to give the hosts the lead, punishing a series of defensive lapses from United.
Luke Shaw was at the centre of the damage, failing to deal with danger before the Hammers flooded the box. Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo were also slow to react, allowing Soucek to attack Jarrod Bowen’s delivery and score from close range in the 50th minute.
Carrick turned to his bench for inspiration, and once again, Sesko delivered. Introduced in the second half, the £74 million striker produced another decisive late moment, delicately flicking a cross into the top corner deep into stoppage time. United had moments to push for a winner — and spare viral fan Frank Ilett his ever-growing afro — but the chance passed as the visitors settled for a draw.
GOAL rates Manchester United’s players from the London Stadium
Goalkeeper & Defence
Senne Lammens (6/10)
Pulled off an excellent stop to deny Summerville from distance. Had little chance with Soucek’s finish, though he might have closed the angle quicker.
Diogo Dalot (5/10)
Endured an uncomfortable first half, struggling to cope defensively and almost gifting West Ham a chance with a risky back pass.
Harry Maguire (6/10)
Read danger well early on, making an important intervention on Bowen. Looked steady before being replaced by Yoro.
Lisandro Martinez (5/10)
Distributed the ball well at times, especially with longer passes, but failed to track Soucek properly for the goal.
Luke Shaw (4/10)
Came closest to scoring for United when Wan-Bissaka blocked his effort on the line. Undid that good work with a costly mistake in the build-up to West Ham’s opener.
Midfield
Kobbie Mainoo (6/10)
Generally tidy in possession and helped United recycle the ball, but needed to be more alert defensively for Soucek’s run.
Casemiro (7/10)
One of United’s strongest performers. Controlled midfield duels and was unlucky to see a goal ruled out for a tight offside.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10)
Showed flashes of quality but found space hard to come by as West Ham crowded central areas and disrupted his rhythm.
Attack
Matheus Cunha (5/10)
Played deeper than usual, which limited his influence. Struggled to make an impact and was withdrawn midway through the second half.
Bryan Mbeumo (5/10)
Quiet for much of the game, with loose link-up play and inaccurate finishing. Redeemed himself slightly by supplying the cross for the equaliser.
Amad Diallo (4/10)
A frustrating night. Was well marshalled by Diouf early on and later contained by Wan-Bissaka. Hesitated too often and slowed promising moves.
Substitutes & Manager
Leny Yoro (8/10)
Outstanding cameo after coming on. Made two crucial tackles and injected urgency into United’s build-up play.
Benjamin Sesko (8/10)
Changed the game. Provided a focal point up front and produced a sublime late equaliser, continuing his knack for decisive moments.
Joshua Zirkzee (N/A)
Nearly snatched a winner with a glancing header that drifted just wide.
Michael Carrick (6/10)
Avoided defeat but was tactically outmanoeuvred for long spells. It could have altered the game earlier, though all three substitutions made a clear impact.
