Man Utd Salvaged Draw vs West Ham: Carrick Praises Late Goal by Chechko

London – Manchester United snatched a dramatic late draw against West Ham United on February 10, 2026, extending Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start as head coach to five matches. A 96th-minute strike from substitute Benjamin Sesko cancelled out Tomas Soucek’s second-half opener, securing a 1-1 result at the London Stadium.

The match, played in challenging conditions, saw a disjointed first half with limited clear-cut chances for either side. United, aiming for a fifth consecutive victory, struggled to find their usual fluency, according to Carrick. West Ham, meanwhile, proved a well-organized and resilient opponent, effectively limiting United’s attacking opportunities.

Soucek broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half, capitalizing on a lapse in United’s midfield. The goal appeared to be heading towards a first defeat for Carrick since taking the reins, but Sesko’s late intervention dramatically altered the narrative.

Carrick acknowledged his team’s below-par performance, stating, “We were okay. I think we’re a bit disappointed. We definitely weren’t at our best. We’ve had five games now, and we’ve been at a really good level. It’s a tough place to come, they made it difficult, and we just didn’t quite have that sharpness or that spark, really, to find the answers too often.”

Despite the less-than-convincing display, Carrick praised his players’ spirit and determination, particularly their refusal to surrender even when facing defeat. “But big credit to the boys, the spirit again in the late goal, and when we needed it. It’s a great quality to have. So, we’ll take the point and we’ll move on,” he said.

Sesko’s impact off the bench proved decisive. The Slovenian forward, introduced late in the game, showcased his finishing ability with a well-executed strike in the dying moments. This marked the second time in recent games that Sesko has rescued a point for United with a late goal, highlighting his growing importance to the squad.

Carrick emphasized the significance of Sesko’s contribution, saying, “A fantastic finish. He’s done it again, it’s important. It’s important we threw everything out at the end and had a lot of forwards on the pitch.” He also noted the team’s commitment to attacking until the final whistle, creating the opportunity for Sesko to capitalize.

The draw keeps Manchester United in fourth place in the league standings, maintaining their position in the Champions League qualification spots. While a win would have been preferable, Carrick expressed satisfaction with the point earned in a difficult away fixture. The result also extends West Ham’s winless run, leaving them still searching for crucial points in their battle to avoid relegation.

The match also highlighted a tactical element of Carrick’s management – his willingness to utilize his bench. Sesko’s introduction proved pivotal, demonstrating Carrick’s faith in his squad depth and his ability to make game-changing substitutions. The manager had previously been questioned about his reluctance to start Sesko, but the forward’s impact off the bench silenced some of those concerns.

Looking ahead, Carrick will be keen to address the areas where his team fell short against West Ham. The lack of sharpness and creativity in the first half will be a point of focus, as will the need to improve their defensive solidity. However, the manager will also draw confidence from his team’s resilience and their ability to salvage a result even when not at their best.

The late equalizer also underscores a growing trend within the United squad – a refusal to be beaten. This mental fortitude, coupled with the emergence of players like Sesko, provides a foundation for optimism as Carrick continues to shape the team in his image. The ability to secure points from difficult situations will be crucial as United navigate a challenging run of fixtures in the coming weeks.

While the performance wasn’t flawless, the point gained at the London Stadium represents a valuable addition to United’s tally. Carrick’s focus will now turn to preparing his team for their next challenge, aiming to build on the positive aspects of their recent form and address the areas that require improvement. The spirit shown by the players, particularly in the closing stages of the game, will undoubtedly serve as a source of encouragement as they continue their pursuit of success.