The unexpected result of being eliminated early from both domestic cup tournaments and ending up with their shortest season in terms of matches since 1914-15 is that Manchester United’s remaining schedule has been split into distinct phases, followed by a longer-than-usual break between games.
They are currently entering the first of those phases. It will be 12 days before United travel to Everton.
For Michael Carrick, who took charge on 13 January, this pause offers a valuable opportunity for his squad to “reset,” allowing certain players to recover from “minor knocks and strains” and to “take a short rest.”
But it is also a moment for reflection.
Carrick did not attempt to portray Benjamin Sesko’s stoppage-time equaliser as an extension of his four-match winning streak after the 1-1 draw with West Ham — instead, he accepted that it brought the run to an end.
Still, he admitted that the overall judgment of the past month remains positive.
“Looking at the bigger picture, we take the point, regroup a little and evaluate things,” he said.
“If you judge it over a five-game spell, having just one draw in that run is a very strong outcome.”
Carrick’s gamble pays off
Carrick’s early wins over title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal came as surprises. Victories against Fulham and Tottenham were more expected but still required solutions to various problems.
Coupled with inconsistent results from Chelsea and Liverpool, the outcome is that United now sit fourth, holding a useful — though not decisive — advantage in the race for a Champions League return, something few imagined after Ruben Amorim was dismissed following the draw at Leeds on 4 January.
“We know how difficult it is to build momentum in this league,” said Carrick, whose team are now unbeaten in nine league matches, spanning three managers, including interim boss Darren Fletcher.
“Sometimes everything comes together naturally — the football flows, you look dangerous and there’s energy. Other times, it can feel a bit scrappy.”
The key question surrounding Carrick is whether his team can consistently beat opponents they are expected to overcome.
Many believed West Ham fell into that category, even though Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were chasing their fourth win in five league matches and had previously led Chelsea 2-0 before dropping points.
Carrick was unable to secure victory.
What he did do, however, was take a calculated risk to rescue something from a match that appeared to be slipping away.
When United drew with West Ham at Old Trafford in December, Amorim’s only attacking substitution was Mason Mount for Joshua Zirkzee with 12 minutes remaining.
His final change saw defender Lisandro Martinez replace Luke Shaw. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and young forward Shea Lacey stayed on the bench.
At the London Stadium, Carrick chose a bolder approach. Not necessarily with Sesko, who came on for the ineffective Matheus Cunha — a criticism that could be applied to most of United’s attackers on the night.
The real gamble came when Zirkzee replaced full-back Diogo Dalot eight minutes from time.
Carrick shifted to a back three and committed more players forward.
He knew the risk of conceding another goal existed. That danger was avoided thanks to two outstanding last-ditch tackles by substitute Leny Yoro and a fine save from Senne Lammens.
As the match passed five minutes into the seven added minutes of stoppage time, United still had hope. Sesko’s superb finish ensured they did not leave empty-handed.
“It’s always worth trying to take something from the game,” Carrick said about his substitutions.
“We all want the perfect performance and to be at our best.
“Sometimes that doesn’t quite happen, but that doesn’t mean you stop fighting.
“We went for it — three at the back and everyone else pushing forward to try and score. That’s how we should play.”
This approach mirrors the philosophy of Sir Alex Ferguson, who was never afraid to gamble for the result he wanted and believed it explained many of his late-match triumphs.
An 87th-minute winner against Arsenal, a 90th-minute goal versus Fulham, and now a 95th-minute equaliser against West Ham.
Carrick is satisfied with collecting 13 points from a possible 15 in his opening block of matches.
As he prepares for the next sequence of three games, he will be just as encouraged by the fighting spirit and refusal to surrender that helped his team achieve those results.
