Benjamin Sesko struck deep into stoppage time to earn Manchester United a dramatic 1-1 draw away to West Ham United, extending Michael Carrick’s unbeaten start as manager and preserving the club’s place in the Premier League top four.
United appeared set for defeat at the London Stadium after Tomas Soucek’s second-half opener had given West Ham the advantage, but Sesko’s 96th-minute intervention ensured Carrick’s side left with a valuable point.
The late equaliser means United remain fourth in the standings, ahead of Chelsea, who also dropped points after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Leeds United.
Carrick’s impressive run since taking charge looked in danger of ending as West Ham defended their lead deep into stoppage time. United, who had won their previous four matches, struggled to break down a disciplined home side for much of the contest.
West Ham took control early in the second half when Soucek found the net to give the hosts a deserved lead and put United under pressure. As the clock ticked down, Carrick seemed destined for his first defeat as United boss.
However, the visitors once again showed resilience. Substitute Sesko produced a clever flicked finish at the near post in the sixth minute of added time to stun the home crowd and rescue a crucial point.
“It is those times when you aren’t totally at your best that you find a way,” Carrick said after the match. “Credit to the boys for the spirit to get a late goal when we needed it. It is a great quality to have. We’ll take the point and move on.”
The result continues a trend of late drama under Carrick, following recent late winners against Arsenal and Fulham.
