A first-half goal from Tomasz Souček had put the hosts ahead at the London Stadium, and it looked set to hand Manchester United a frustrating defeat until Benjamin Šeško struck late on to salvage a vital point.
While the comeback showed resilience, the performance still raised several questions as the race for Champions League qualification continues.
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United need more goal scorers to step up
Manchester United have enjoyed recent success from summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both of whom scored vital goals against Manchester City and Arsenal.
However, this game once again underlined the risk of relying too heavily on just a few attacking players.
Although Šeško’s late goal rescued United, there was still a lack of consistent threat for large spells of the match. Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes were unable to influence proceedings as expected, highlighting the need for more regular goal contributions across the attacking unit to relieve pressure on United’s main scorers.
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Away form remains a concern
Despite avoiding defeat thanks to a dramatic late equaliser, United’s away form continues to raise concerns. While the recent victory at league leaders Arsenal was impressive, performances on the road have often lacked control and consistency.
The draw at the London Stadium showed that United still struggle to dominate away fixtures for sustained periods. If they are to pick up more points away from Old Trafford, improvements in game management and intensity will be required.
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More creativity needed from open play
Manchester United remain one of the Premier League’s most effective teams from set-pieces, with only Arsenal scoring more from dead-ball situations this season. However, this match highlighted their reliance on those moments.
For long stretches, United found it difficult to create clear-cut chances from open play, allowing West Ham to remain compact and disciplined. Developing greater fluidity and creativity in open play will be crucial if United are to consistently turn draws into wins.
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A key moment in Michael Carrick’s interim reign
This result marked the first time Michael Carrick failed to collect maximum points since taking over as interim manager. While Šeško’s late goal ensured United avoided defeat, the draw will still feel like a missed opportunity.
How Carrick responds will be important, especially with the battle for Champions League qualification intensifying. The performance — and the late rescue — offers a valuable reference point for how United handle pressure in difficult away games for the remainder of the season.
