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Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has highlighted a decision made by Michael Carrick, which slightly disadvantaged the team in the 1-1 draw with West Ham.
United held
Having won his first four games since being named as interim head coach, Carrick’s flawless run was brought to an end last week as United were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.
West Ham sat in a compact defensive block, restricting the space United had to operate in between the lines.
Things worsened for United shortly after the break when Tomas Soucek gave the hosts the lead after some pitiful defending from Carrick’s men.
With a lead to protect, West Ham retreated further into their own half, digging in to grind out a victory. It looked like they were set for all three points but Benjamin Sesko came on from the bench and scored a beautiful goal in the dying embers of the game to rescue a point for the Red Devils.
After the final whistle, Carrick hailed his players for giving it their all until the very end. Gary Lineker insisted that for United to become a true juggernaut, Carrick must first solve the puzzle of breaking down stubborn low blocks.
Speaking on BBC Sport’s The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney noted that Carrick’s use of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha probably didn’t help United’s cause against West Ham.
Rooney highlights Carrick misstep
United’s record goalscorer said, “I think he made a big call, Michael, in Mbeumo and Cunha, changing them two around.”
“I think that may have affected the way they play because Mbeumo is one who is running behind and Cunha coming in off the side has been better or playing as a [No] 10 times.”
“So, I think that little change may have put United on the back foot a little bit, but [they] done well to come back in the end.”
Rooney was also asked whether he would be open to joining Carrick’s backroom staff if he were offered the opportunity.
He answered, “Of course I would. It’s a no-brainer. I’m not begging for a job here by the way. Just so everyone knows, if I was asked to go in of course I would.”
“Appointing the manager is the most important thing.”
United are next in action on Monday, February 23, when they go away to Everton.
Featured image James Fearn via Getty Images
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