Michael Carrick’s perfect start as Manchester United’s manager came to an unexpected halt on Wednesday when they managed only a 1-1 draw against West Ham United. The team had to rally in the match to secure a point and prevent their first loss in five games.
Entering this matchup as the favorites, thanks to a strong offensive display throughout the season, United’s attack fell flat at the London Stadium. The first half saw both teams struggling, combining for a mere five shots, with only one being on target. Their expected goals (xG) amounted to just 0.28, indicating that neither side generated high-quality scoring opportunities.
The second half saw a slight improvement in play, but it was West Ham that drew first blood when Tomas Soucek netted a goal in the 50th minute. After receiving a pass from Jarrod Bowen, Soucek found himself in a prime position at the near post and made no mistake, giving the struggling West Ham a crucial lead.
Despite United creating more opportunities following that goal, they were unable to capitalize. West Ham recorded six shots after Soucek’s goal while United managed only four. Eventually, the Red Devils found a leveler in the sixth minute of stoppage time when Benjamin Sesko scored, keeping their unbeaten streak alive at five games.
While United outshot West Ham after Soucek’s goal, they struggled to convert those chances into significant scoring chances, finishing with a total xG of 0.62 compared to West Ham’s 1.03. This pattern of stagnation is becoming a worrying trend for Carrick’s side. In the five matches since his appointment, the team averages 2.2 goals per match, higher than the 1.7 goals per match under former manager Ruben Amorim. However, Carrick’s side is managing about three fewer shots per game, leading to a drop in expected goals by 0.5.
Although the sample size of five matches is limited, the draw against West Ham emphasizes a unique aspect of Carrick’s tenure. Each of United’s four victories before this match had its distinct challenges; they overcame underperforming Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur but had a lackluster performance against Fulham and now have faltered against a relegation-threatened West Ham.
It’s challenging to gauge Carrick’s overall impact on United, although it’s clear he has improved the team’s morale since taking over last month. Bruno Fernandes remarked on Carrick’s flexibility in tactics, which contrasts with Amorim’s more rigid approach, leading to a more liberated playing style for the players.
For Carrick and his team, hopes of qualifying for the upcoming UEFA Champions League remain intact, especially with Chelsea’s recent draw against Leeds United which keeps them just a point behind. However, Liverpool and Brentford are lurking close behind, ready to capitalize on any slip-ups.
In a lighter note, one dedicated Manchester United fan, Frank Ilett, has let his hair grow for over 500 days in anticipation of a fifth straight win for the team. Following their near-miss after Saturday’s victory, he may have to wait until mid-March for a haircut unless fortunes change.
Carrick acknowledged Ilett’s commitment but stated that it doesn’t serve as additional motivation for the team; their focus remains on gaining results on the pitch.
Looking ahead, United’s next five fixtures include matches against Everton, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth. If Ilett finally gets his long-awaited haircut, he plans to donate his hair to charity.
Fan Take: This draw may serve as a wake-up call for Manchester United, revealing vulnerabilities that could hinder their ambitions this season. For soccer fans, it underscores the unpredictability of the sport and the fine margins that can define a team’s success or failure in the league.
