REMATCHED DATE ANNOUNCED: England FA finally announced rematch date for Man united vs West Ham clash after UEFA spotted five big mistakes in favor of Man United, decision made this morning
Manchester United’s winning run under interim manager Michael Carrick came to an end on Tuesday at London Stadium
A dying-minute strike from Slovenia forward Benjamin Sesko secured a draw for the Red Devils against West Ham
The Premier League clarified why the Brazilian equaliser was cancelled after a VAR review
Benjamin Sesko ensured Manchester United remained unbeaten under interim manager Michael Carrick after denying West Ham victory on Tuesday, February 10.
The Slovenia international scored a dramatic equaliser in the 90+6th minute after coming on for Matheus Cunha in the 69th minute of the tightly contested encounter at the London Stadium.
Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United, West Ham, Premier League, Football, London.
Benjamin Sesko scores an equaliser for Manchester United against West Ham. Photo by: Justin Setterfield. Source: Getty Images
Sesko secures a vital point for United
West Ham took the lead in the 50th minute through Czech midfielder Tomas Soucek, following a frustrating first half. Manchester United responded strongly but initially struggled to break down the hosts’ defence.
In the 63rd minute, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro thought he had equalised with a header, only for the goal to be ruled out after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, per Sofa Score.
Carrick then introduced Benjamin Sesko, Leny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee, a triple change that shifted the momentum in United’s favour.
Deep into stoppage time, Sesko found the net from close range, converting a cross from the right flank by Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo to earn the Red Devils a crucial point, per BBC.
The Slovenian striker has now scored two goals in his last three appearances since joining from RB Leipzig.
Why Casemiro’s goal was cancelled
The Premier League insists that Brazilian midfielder Casemiro’s goal against West Ham United was offside.
In a tweet on X, the PL provided a video evidence of Casimero’s knee and arm slightly beyond the last defender following a cross from Kobbie Mainoo in the 64th minute. The statement read:
“VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Casemiro was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”
Fans have questioned why Casemiro’s strike against West Ham last night was ruled offside, when a very similar goal scored by Florian Wirtz against Fulham in January was allowed.
@nufctoonlover said:
“Probably because they ruled a goal out because Joe Willock’s left eyebrow was offside the night before, and it came under such scrutiny that they had to be consistent.”
@Eddguy1 wrote:
“Basically telling us what we already know. One rule for one and one for another. All you’ve done is confirm how inconsistent and unfit for purpose VAR is.”
@VandelayNdustry added:
“Because the application of VAR is unquestionably subjective, and therefore, wildly inconsistent. In other words, it’s a joke.”
According to IFAB guidelines, an attacker is penalised if any playable body part is nearer the goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent at the moment of contact.
Iwobi shows damaged hand after clash with Mainoo
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has revealed the damage to his hand following a tough English Premier League encounter with Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo.
The Fulham star was involved in a physical battle with the 20-year-old during Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham on Sunday, January 1.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Benjamin Sesko’s late equaliser saved Manchester United from defeat against West Ham on Tuesday, February 10
Michael Carrick’s tactical approach is believed to have restored confidence and led United to four consecutive victories
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering football and sports in Nigeria and Africa.
London, United Kingdom – Popular public commentator, Japheth Omojuwa, has said the pressure of the “assumption” that Manchester United were actually in the title race “got to them.”
Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to deny West Ham a vital win in their hunt for Premier League survival as his 96th-minute goal earned a 1-1 draw for Manchester United at the London Stadium.
Omojuwa and Bashir Ahmad discussing Manchester United’s chances of winning the Premier League title.
While West Ham cost the visitors a fifth straight win under Michael Carrick, Tomas Soucek’s tap-in was not enough to move them level on points with 17th-place Nottingham Forest after Sesko’s second injury-time goal in three substitute appearances.
Yet the last 25 days have given United fans a glimmer of hope. It is still faint, but it is there.
When Carrick appointed interim successor to Ruben Amorim, he knew that his first two games, Manchester City (Home), Arsenal (Away), were as tough as they come.
It does not feel as though Carrick has done anything spectacular from a tactical perspective, other than really hone in on the specific strengths of the players at his disposal. He has leaned into the Manchester United ‘DNA’ that has been the subject of much debate in recent months.
It has restored confidence and belief in the squad that had been missing for some time, ultimately leading to four consecutive victories, including wins over two of the best teams in England and Europe.
Omojuwa, Ahmad on Man United’s title chances
Reacting after Manchester United drew West Ham in London, Omojuwa wrote on X:
“Man United believed they were actually in the title race. The pressure of that assumption got to them.”
In the same vein, Bashir Ahmad, former special assistant on digital communications to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, posted on X:
“Honestly, I wanted Manchester United to win because I have been hoping to see them emerge as serious contenders for the league, especially since Manchester City don’t look capable of challenging Arsenal this season.”
Benjamin Sesko scored a superb stoppage-time goal to save Michael Carrick from a first defeat as Manchester United interim head coach and earn a 1-1 draw away at West Ham United.
Manchester United are currently fourth on the log with 45 points, 11 points behind league-leader Arsenal FC.
Expert lauds Manchester United spirit
Meanwhile, sports broadcaster Ruth Odunayo has heralded the spirit and togetherness of the Manchester United squad as a big reason for the club’s recent form.
To secure a place in the Champions League, Odunayo urged Manchester United to maintain consistency with performances that reflect their potential.
She told Legit.ng:
“Form is one thing, but development-wise, I believe Man United, under Michael Carrick, want to play better. The coach wants his players to perform better in games. That should be the objective at a huge club like Man United, definitely, from now to the end. If results come, that’s brilliant, because winning should be a habit.”
Odunayo added:
“Their results lately have been good. Hopefully, they can make the performances more consistent and even better.”
