The draw against West Ham is a positive outcome for Man United

The draw against West Ham in the Premier League might initially seem regretful to many Man United supporters.

However, from a long-term perspective, this result holds significant positive value for Michael Carrick’s squad. Sometimes, an early stumble can provide the team with crucial lessons before entering the decisive phase of the season.

West Ham is a team that employs a very frustrating low-block defensive style. They deliberately drop deep, block central lanes, and wait for counterattack opportunities. This approach caused Man United considerable difficulty in building their attacks. Yet, instead of viewing it as a failure, the coaching staff can regard it as valuable data.

Facing a disciplined, physically strong, and deep defensive system like West Ham’s will help Carrick adjust his tactical approach for upcoming matches. Additionally, this draw marks a fitting end to Carrick’s honeymoon period by bringing Man United back to reality.

The brightest spot for Man United was Benjamin Sesko’s goal. That strike highlighted the attacking style the front line should exploit more. Sesko excels at moving behind defenders, finding smart positions, and finishing with one touch. However, at times, he did not receive quality service from his teammates.

If placed in a system that prioritizes quick ball circulation and early passes into space, Sesko could become a top striker in the Premier League. Optimizing the Slovenian forward’s abilities will be key to solving Man United’s scoring issues.

Nevertheless, the draw against West Ham also revealed Carrick’s weaknesses when facing low-block teams. His ability to create breakthroughs against crowded defenses remains limited, especially when lacking options to penetrate through the center. This provides the Man United management with more information to evaluate Carrick’s coaching abilities. Matches like this will be crucial in deciding the permanent head coach for the next season.

Ultimately, securing a point against West Ham is not a disaster. On the contrary, it could serve as a stepping stone for Man United to improve, clarify their playing style, and better prepare for long-term ambitions.