Manchester United escaped from their clash against West Ham United at the London Stadium with a point, thanks to yet another Fergie time goal from Benjamin Sesko.
Tuesday’s performance was a reminder that the Red Devils are simply not equipped to handle two games a week due to the thin squad at Michael Carrick’s disposal.
After winning four in a row, the visitors produced a lacklustre performance in front of goal, with summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo both dropping stinkers.
The Brazilian did not manage a single shot in the 69 minutes he was on the pitch, while also failing to complete a single dribble.
Matheus Cunha was shocking vs Hammers
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers ace did not manage a single key pass, nor did he attempt a single cross.
Off the ball, the 26-year-old won only one of his three ground duels, while making one tackle and completing one clearance (stats via sofascore).
The performance explained why Carrick was utilising him as super sub in his first two games, with Patrick Dorgu earning the nod to start. And it is time the same arrangement returns.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 0.01 |
| Total Shots | 0 |
| Shots on Target | 0 |
| Shots Blocked | 0 |
| Touches | 36 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 1 (0) |
| Possession Lost | 8 |
| Total Carrying Distance | 117.3 m |
| Carries | 13 |
| Progressive Carries | 1 |
| Total Progression | 33.2 m |
| Progressive Carrying Distance | 18.1 m |
| Longest Progressive Carry | 17 m |
| Key Passes | 0 |
| Crosses (accurate) | 0 (0) |
| Accurate Passes | 24/29 (83%) |
| Passes in Opposition Half (acc.) | 15/19 (79%) |
| Passes in Own Half (acc.) | 9/10 (90%) |
| Defensive Contributions | 2 |
| Tackles (won) | 1 (1) |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Clearances | 1 |
| Blocked Shots | 0 |
| Recoveries | 2 |
| Ground Duels (won) | 3 (1) |
| Dribbled Past | 0 |
stats via sofascore
The Brazil international was rightly hooked in the 69th minute, and it was his replacement, Sesko, who saved Carrick’s blushes.
Sesko deserves a start
The Slovenian was an instant improvement, managing two shots on target, including the equaliser.
He has now scored five times in the last six games, including two under the caretaker head coach. The timing and importance of the strikes will not be lost on Carrick.
It was a smart finish from a player chomping at the bit to start games.
On current evidence, Carrick needs to hand him one in place of Matheus Cunha when United travel to Merseyside to face Everton in two weeks.
Feature image Alex Pantling via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
