(Football results) - Manchester United was held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham in the 26th round of the Premier League, where Benjamin Šeško’s injury-time equalizer helped the Red Devils maintain their unbeaten run under Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick’s perfect start as Manchester United’s head coach came to a halt as the Red Devils managed only a dramatic 1-1 draw against West Ham at London Stadium in the early hours of February 11. However, Benjamin Šeško’s goal in the 90+6 minute still allowed MU to preserve their unbeaten streak under the English manager.
Traveling to the stadium of the team coached by Nuno Espírito Santo, which was also Carrick’s youth club, Manchester United struggled early on against the disciplined and tactically sound style of the hosts. West Ham deliberately ceded possession, defended tightly, and repeatedly frustrated the Red Devils’ attacks in the first half.
The turning point came early in the second half. In the 50th minute, from a right-wing cross by Jarrod Bowen, Tomáš Souček charged in to head the ball close-range and open the scoring for West Ham. This moment exposed MU’s defensive confusion, as Luke Shaw left a gap, while Lisandro Martínez and Kobbie Mainoo failed to block Souček’s shot at the near post.
Forced into a chase, Carrick immediately brought Šeško on. Just like in the previous two rounds, the £74 million signing made a crucial impact. In the 90+6 minute, the Slovenian striker deftly controlled the ball and directed a cross from the left wing straight into the top corner, leveling the score at 1-1 to the delight of MU supporters.
The Red Devils ultimately could not help the “internet sensation” Frank Ilett (nicknamed United Strand) complete his haircut challenge, as the fifth consecutive victory did not materialize. The draw at London Stadium prevented MU from extending their winning run, but Michael Carrick’s unbeaten streak was preserved in an emotionally charged manner.