Michael Carrick’s Manchester United aim to make it five successive Premier League wins when they face West Ham United on Tuesday evening.
The Red Devils are riding a wave of momentum after a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur , a result that further strengthens their push for Champions League qualification. The turnaround under Carrick has been remarkable, transforming a team that appeared to be drifting into one brimming with confidence.
However, the trip to the London Stadium presents a significant challenge. United’s record at West Ham is poor, and Carrick will be acutely aware of the need to avoid a repeat of past disappointments. The short turnaround between matches – a consequence of their recent success – adds another layer of complexity to the task.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Carrick will undoubtedly draw lessons from the reverse fixture at Old Trafford , where United drew 1-1 with West Ham despite taking the lead. Then-manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged after the match that his side lost control of the game, allowing West Ham to fight back. “We had good moments and we lost a little bit of control after the goal. We should have closed the game when we scored the first one,” Amorim said.
The key for Carrick will be to ensure his team maintains its intensity and control throughout the match, particularly if they manage to find the opening goal. Allowing West Ham to gain a foothold, as happened in the previous encounter, could prove costly.
A Growing Killer Instinct
Under Amorim, United frequently struggled to convert dominance into victories, often dropping points after leading in matches. Carrick, however, appears to be instilling a newfound ruthlessness in the squad. Recent wins against Arsenal and Fulham saw United respond to late equalizers by finding winning goals, demonstrating a resilience and determination that was previously lacking.
This ability to close out games, to exhibit a “killer instinct,” is a significant development and suggests that Carrick is having a positive impact on the team’s mentality. The victory over Tottenham, secured through a more controlled and professional performance, further underscored this improvement.
Carrick’s calm and measured approach is a stark contrast to the turbulence that preceded his appointment. He has prioritized simplicity, making only one change to the starting lineup in recent matches, and focusing on clear tactical instructions. This stability has allowed the players to regain confidence and express themselves on the pitch.
The web search results indicate that Carrick himself has downplayed the significance of his initial success, stating that a short winning streak shouldn’t lead to “knee-jerk” decisions about his long-term future. This level-headedness is another positive sign for United fans, suggesting that Carrick is focused on the process rather than getting carried away with the results.
The challenge now is to translate this momentum into consistent performances, starting with Tuesday’s match against West Ham. A victory would not only extend United’s winning run but also send a clear message to their rivals that they are serious contenders for a Champions League spot. The London Stadium has proven a difficult venue for United in the past, but Carrick’s side will arrive with a renewed sense of belief and a determination to rewrite the script.
