Michael Carrick could only marvel at Benjamin Sesko’s “unbelievable finish” after the substitute’s stunning stoppage-time volley salvaged a 1-1 draw for Manchester United at West Ham United.
With United staring at defeat, Sesko reacted first to Bryan Mbeumo’s deep cross six minutes into added time, stretching out a toe to meet the ball and sending a ferocious volley arcing into the top corner. The late equaliser denied Carrick’s former club a crucial victory in their fight against relegation and underlined Sesko’s growing reputation as United’s impact striker.
The Slovenian forward has yet to start a match under the interim manager but has now delivered twice from the bench in dramatic fashion, having already struck a late winner against Fulham. Carrick insisted the goal was no fluke, instead the product of consistent work and proven quality.
“The boys who have played have done fantastically well,” Carrick said. “Ben’s doing a lot of work, he’s in a good place and ready to kick on. When he came on the pitch he made a big difference.
“It’s an unbelievable finish from the angle, to generate that power and get it on target. It’s some goal. He’s capable of that. He’s been doing it all the time, he’s proven he can score goals and he’s been doing it in training for us as well.
“It’s not surprising, to be honest. It’s what he does, it’s what he’s good at. Tonight, with the emotion of the game, it was a big moment for him and for us.”
United had been chasing a fifth consecutive Premier League win under Carrick but fell behind early in the second half when Tomás Soucek finished a well-worked West Ham move. The hosts then defended with discipline and looked on course for a vital three points.
“Mixed feelings,” Carrick admitted. “We know we weren’t at our best and we can credit West Ham with that. Finishing with a late goal when we’ve had to find one is a positive. In the grand scheme of things we can take a point and dust ourselves down. Four wins and a draw from these five games is a positive.”
For West Ham and head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, the mood was very different after coming so close to a result that would have pulled them level with Nottingham Forest.
“We are disappointed of course,” Nuno said. “We competed really well and were able to contain a very good team. We scored, we defended very well and had situations where we could have put the game to bed. We have to bounce back from these disappointments. We have to keep going. There is no other way.”
Among United’s supporters, one man will also have to wait a little longer for closure. Frank Ilett, the fan who vowed not to cut his hair until United recorded five straight wins, saw Sesko’s strike preserve the unbeaten run but delay his long-promised trip to the barbers.
