\n<\/p>\n
Carrick’s initial victories over title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal were unexpected. The ones against Fulham and Tottenham were anticipated but did not arrive without problems that had to be solved.<\/p>\n
Combined with the failings of Chelsea and Liverpool, the end outcome is United are fourth, with a handy, but by no means pivotal, advantage in the hunt for a Champions League return, something few could visualise in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s dismissal following the draw at Leeds on 4 January.<\/p>\n
“We know how hard it is to put a run together in this league,” said Carrick, whose side are now unbeaten in nine league games, which spanned three managers, including initial interim Darren Fletcher.<\/p>\n
“Sometimes it comes naturally, it flows and everything clicks. You look really dangerous and there’s a spark. Sometimes it’s a little bit stodgy.”<\/p>\n
The question being asked of Carrick is whether his side can deliver winning performances against opposition they are expected to beat.<\/p>\n
Many felt West Ham were in that category, even though Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were aiming for their fourth win in five league games and they had led Chelsea 2-0 in the one that got away.<\/p>\n
Carrick did not manage a victory.<\/p>\n
What he did do was take a risk to try and get something from a game that appeared lost.<\/p>\n
When Manchester United drew against West Ham at Old Trafford in December, Amorim’s only substitution involving an offensive player was Mason Mount for Joshua Zirkzee, 12 minutes from time.<\/p>\n
His last change was one defender, Lisandro Martinez, for another, Luke Shaw. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and young forward Shea Lacey remained on the bench.<\/p>\n
At London Stadium, Carrick gambled. Not so much with Sesko, who replaced Matheus Cunha, who had been ineffective, a charge that could be levelled at all United’s attacking players on this occasion.<\/p>\n
It was through his introduction of Zirkzee for full-back Diogo Dalot eight minutes from time where the risk and reward element came.<\/p>\n
Carrick switched to a back three and pushed men forward.<\/p>\n
He knew there was a chance of conceding a second. It didn’t happen, thanks to two superb saving tackles from another substitute, Leny Yoro, and a Senne Lammens save.<\/p>\n
It meant as the clocked ticked past five minutes of injury-time played of the seven added, Carrick’s side still had a chance. Sesko’s brilliant finish ensured they did not head home empty handed.<\/p>\n
“It’s always worth it to try and get something out of the game,” said Carrick of his substitution.<\/p>\n
“We all want the perfect kind of performance, to be the best we can be.<\/p>\n
“Sometimes it doesn’t quite happen, but it doesn’t mean you give up.<\/p>\n
“Obviously we went for it, with three at the back and the rest all attacking basically to try and find that goal. That’s the way we should do it.”<\/p>\n
It’s an attitude straight out of the Sir Alex Ferguson playbook. He was always prepared to gamble in order to get a desired outcome and felt it was why he enjoyed so many late successes in his stellar career.<\/p>\n
An 87th-minute winner against Arsenal, a 90th-minute winner against Fulham, and now a 95th-minute equaliser against West Ham.<\/p>\n
Carrick is pleased with 13 points out of 15 from his first block of games.<\/p>\n
As he regroups before the next run of three matches, he will be just as delighted at the spirit and never-say-die attitude that helped to get them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n