The London Stadium proved to be a difficult hunting ground once again as Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw. In a match defined by late drama and a lack of cutting edge, interim manager Michael Carrick offered a candid assessment of his team’s performance, balancing frustration with pride in their fighting spirit.
Performance: “Not Our Best”
Speaking in his post-match interview, Carrick was honest about his side’s display. He acknowledged that the performance was “okay” but fell short of the standards set during their recent five-game run. The manager noted a distinct lack of “sharpness” and difficulty in finding solutions against a well-drilled West Ham side.
“We weren’t totally at our best,” Carrick admitted. Despite creating chances and keeping a clean sheet, there was a sense of frustration that the flow and intensity of previous weeks were missing.
Sesko’s Moment of Magic
However, the highlight of the night—and the reason Manchester United left with a point—was the late intervention of Benjamin Sesko. Carrick was full of praise for the striker, describing his finish as “fantastic.”
He highlighted the team’s resilience in the dying moments, noting that they “threw everything at it at the end.” While mentioning near-misses from other attackers like Josh, Carrick viewed the goal as a crucial stepping stone for Sesko and a testament to the team’s refusal to give up.
Taking What You Can
With both teams coming into the game in good form, dropping points was a disappointment, but Carrick emphasized the pragmatic need to accept the result. “There’s times when it doesn’t quite go up to plan and you’ve got to take what you can from it,” he stated.
He focused on the positives of securing a draw at a venue that has historically been tricky, ensuring the momentum of the unbeaten run wasn’t completely halted.
A Message for the Hammers
Perhaps the most poignant part of the interview came when Carrick discussed the opposition. Despite the battle on the pitch, he holds a deep affection for West Ham, revealing a personal connection to the club.
“It’s a big part of my life and grown up and great memories here,” Carrick shared. With West Ham battling relegation, he offered a heartfelt message of support: “I hope they stay up.”
It was a refreshing moment of sportsmanship, showcasing the respect and history that binds the football community, even amidst the pressure of a Premier League campaign.
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