Dramatic Sesko Strike Rescues United in London as Carrick’s Winning Run End

In a finish that will be replayed for weeks, substitute Benjamin Sesko volleyed home a 96th-minute equaliser to snatch a dramatic 1-1 draw for Manchester United against a desperate West Ham United at the London Stadium on Tuesday night. The late intervention preserved Michael Carrick's unbeaten start as interim manager at nine games but brought his four-match Premier League winning streak to a halt.

The result had starkly different implications for the two sides. United, who were bidding for a fifth straight win to close in on the top three, remain in fourth place with 45 points. For West Ham, it was a hammer blow in their fight for survival, as they missed a crucial chance to climb out of the relegation zone, staying 18th and two points from safety.

The first half was a cagey, uneventful affair with few clear chances. West Ham's Crysencio Summerville forced United goalkeeper Senne Lammens into a smart save, while the visitors' best opportunity fell to Luke Shaw, whose goal-bound shot was cleared off the line by former United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The game ignited five minutes after the restart. West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen bullied Shaw off the ball on the right wing and drove forward, exchanging passes with Tomas Soucek before sliding a low cross into the box. Soucek arrived to tap in from close range, giving the Hammers a vital lead and becoming the highest-scoring Czech player in Premier League history with his 39th goal.

United thought they had found an instant response just after the hour mark. A superb cross from teenager Kobbie Mainoo found Casemiro, who powered a header into the net on his 150th club appearance. The celebrations were cut short, however, as a VAR review ruled the Brazilian midfielder offside by the narrowest of margins.

As the clock ticked into seven minutes of stoppage time, West Ham looked set for a monumental victory. United substitute Joshua Zirkzee headed a glorious chance wide, and moments later, West Ham's Callum Wilson was denied in a one-on-one by Lammens. Just as the home fans began to celebrate, United struck. Bryan Mbeumo delivered a curling cross from the right, and Sesko, arriving ahead of his marker, guided a brilliant first-time volley into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling support.

The managers reflected on a night of mixed emotions. West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo was left "disappointed" but proud of his team's effort. "We competed really well... The way we started the second half was really positive," he said. "We should have put the game to bed in the final moments".

For United, Michael Carrick saw the late character as a positive. "Mixed feelings," he admitted. "We know we weren't quite at our best... Finishing with a late goal when we've had to find one is a good moment, and another positive for us to know that we can do that".

Manchester United have a break until their next league fixture against Everton on February 23. West Ham, meanwhile, must quickly regroup, with an FA Cup tie against Burton Albion offering a brief distraction before they resume their critical survival battle