INEOS will love what Michael Carrick did in the 82nd minute vs West Ham

Manchester United extended their unbeaten run under caretaker head coach Michael Carrick after battling to a gritty 1-1 draw with West Ham United on Tuesday night.

Tomas Soucek broke the deadlock in a cagey affair after United’s defence was caught napping.

For long spells, defeat looked inevitable for the visitors, but Benjamin Sesko produced a moment of magic with a sensational stoppage-time strike to rescue a precious point.

INEOS will be delighted that Carrick has picked up 13 points out of the 15 available since taking the reins.

The former United midfielder has brought a new energy to the club.

The West Ham draw may serve as a valuable learning curve for Carrick, but INEOS will have been particularly impressed by his bold intervention in the 82nd minute.

With the Red Devils struggling to break down the stubborn defence of the London outfit, Carrick threw the kitchen sink by sending Joshua Zirkzee on for Diogo Dalot.

This attacking substitution felt like a breath of fresh air.

Shaw was given the licence to attack on the left flank while Dalot was operating as support for Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez at the back.

With just 10 minutes remaining, it was refreshing to see a United head coach sacrifice a defender to chase the game.

That roll of the dice nearly paid off immediately, as Zirkzee came within inches of an equaliser.

This fearless approach was something former manager Ruben Amorim was often criticised for lacking, with his cautious substitutions against Everton, Wolves and Leeds frustrating supporters.

Carrick is quietly building a case to be considered a genuine contender for the permanent job at the end of the season.

Taking risks, trusting youth and having the courage to make bold calls has to be basic requirements for any future United coach.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .