Michael Carrick has emphasised the need for Manchester United to master the basics and outwork their opponents.
In Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with West Ham on Tuesday night, though, the free-flowing football that has been so exciting in recent weeks completely dried up.
The Red Devils relied on Benjamin Sesko’s brilliant late goal to rescue a point in the capital. Michael Carrick’s winning streak to start his interim spell has ended, but United remain unbeaten in 2026.
What did Michael Carrick get right with his game management vs West Ham?
Carrick admitted United made mistakes in their performance, but he took pride in the fighting spirit his players showed until the final whistle.
Man United distance covered vs West Ham
Before Carrick, Ruben Amorim demanded players run like ‘mad dogs’ if they wanted to compete in the Premier League. The Portuguese head coach made plenty of mistakes, but he did correctly identify the importance of physicality and running power in the Premier League.
In his first interviews at the club, Carrick also drilled home the idea that United must outrun and outwork their opponents.
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That did not happen at the London Stadium. In fact, BBC Sport report that West Ham covered more than 2 kilometres more than United.
Only 7.8% of the match was spent by a United player sprinting, with 35% of United’s possession played at a walking pace.
It is easy to see that statistic and point the finger at players for a lack of effort, but that is simply not true.
Man United struggling against low-block defences
Frustratingly, the game against West Ham was largely played at a walking pace. Lisandro Martinez had 118 touches on the ball as he was often in possession trying to build up from the back.
But that is not United’s fault. In fact, Nuno Espirito Santo clearly set up his West Ham side to frustrate Carrick’s side and starve them of space.
Kobbie Mainoo’s running power has been key for United in recent weeks, but West Ham refused to open up the game, challenging the visitors to break them down.
READ MORE: Three decisions Michael Carrick got right during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at West Ham
It is in these matches where United have struggled historically. Against the bigger sides who are happy to take risks and go forward, United have been able to punish the space they leave behind.
It is up to Carrick and his staff to prove they can not only win against the big sides, but also against teams who arrive ready to defend and close down space.
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