Michael Carrick ‘frustrated’ with Manchester United’s lack of ‘sharpness and spark’ in draw with West Ham – ‘It was a little disappointing’

Carrick comes into the game with a perfect record of four wins from four games since replacing the sacked Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford last month.

However, a rejuvenated West Ham side took the lead early in the second half through Tomas Soucek and came close to clinching a crucial victory for survival until substitute Benjamin Sesko equalized with a fine finish in the 96th minute.

It was the first time in Carrick’s short spell that he failed to pick up all three points, and he admitted to TNT Sports that he had some regrets about his performance.

“We were OK. I think we were a little disappointed. We definitely weren’t at our best,” Carrick said.

“It’s only when we’re not at our absolute best that we can find a way and keep a clean sheet and move forward, so we’re a bit frustrated with that.

Carrick ‘frustrated’ by Manchester United’s lack of ‘spark’ in West Ham draw

Video credit: TNT Sports

“We have played five games now and are at a very good level. This is a tough place and they made it difficult.

“We lacked the sharpness and inspiration to find answers. In the end, credit goes to the players for showing their mental strength again and scoring late on when we needed it. That’s a great quality. We’ll take that seriously and move on.”

The result leaves United fourth in the Premier League table, one point behind fifth-placed Chelsea.

For West Ham, Sesco’s late equalizer was a cruel blow that denied the Hammers a win that would have taken them level with 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

Instead, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side remain in the relegation zone in 18th place, two points off safety.

Carrick spent the formative years of his playing career at the London club and admitted he was hoping to find a safe path this season.

“I want them to stay awake because I’m done with them,” Carrick said.

“Living here has been a big part of my life and it’s been a great memory, so I hope it stays with me.”

Butt predicts Manchester United finish in the top four after disappointing draw against West Ham

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Sesco: “I’m not very happy with the draw”

Sesco came off the bench and scored the winning goal as a substitute in the recent game against Fulham, his second goal in three games.

The Slovenian forward has started to find form since his big-money move from RB Leipzig last summer and has scored four goals in his last five Premier League games, showing off his ability with some deft flicks.

“I’m happy with the finish, but not so happy with the draw,” Sesco told TNT Sports.

“We were fighting and we know we deserved the win.Unfortunately, some days are a little bit unlucky.

WATCH: Sesco breaks West Ham’s heart with incredible equalizer

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“Maybe it wasn’t as intense as it should have been, but we fought and in the end we got a draw, which is really important.”

Regarding the recent upturn in form under Carrick, he added: “We feel great. We do everything together and when difficult moments come, we step in together. This is really important and can lead to the result we have now.”