We would have won if I started. I have been patient, but seeing the team struggle like this from the bench is just too much to bear
While the “breaking news” suggests a total meltdown at Old Trafford, the reality following the 1-1 draw between Manchester United and West Ham on February 10, 2026, is a bit more nuanced. Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United’s perfect winning streak finally hit a snag at the London Stadium, and the “frustrated star” narrative is currently centering on the team’s most explosive bench option: Benjamin Šeško.
Here is the detailed, verbose breakdown of the situation and the truth behind the reported “heated” dressing room.
The Stoppage-Time Savior
Manchester United appeared to be heading for their first defeat under the Carrick era after Tomas Soucek put West Ham ahead early in the second half. For the majority of the match, United looked “sluggish” and lacked the creative spark that had defined their previous four victories.
The turning point came in the 69th minute when Carrick introduced Benjamin Šeško to replace an ineffective Matheus Cunha. In a heart-stopping finale, Šeško proved to be the difference-maker, flicking home a Bryan Mbeumo cross in the 96th minute to salvage a point. The “disraught” energy reported after the game stems from the fact that United dominated 70% of the ball but only looked like scoring once their Slovenian “target man” was on the pitch.
The “Lack of Trust” and Tactical Friction
The “heated statement” regarding a lack of trust in the system refers to the growing internal and external debate over Carrick’s starting lineups. Despite Šeško being the club’s most in-form striker—with five goals in his last six matches—Carrick has preferred to use him as a “super-sub” to maintain tactical flexibility.
Reports suggest that Šeško’s camp and several “inside sources” feel his benching was a “catastrophic mistake” that cost United two points. The argument is simple: if the player who eventually saved the game had started, United might have put the game to bed before the Hammers ever found their rhythm.
A Dressing Room Divided?
The “91% of fans” backing the player reflects a fanbase that is tired of “safe” tactical decisions. While Carrick has stabilized the club and kept them in 4th place, the draw against a relegation-threatened West Ham side has invited the first real wave of criticism of his tenure.
* Carrick’s Defense: In his post-match comments, Carrick admitted the team lacked “sharpness” but defended his rotation, citing the heavy fixture pile-up in February.
* The Player’s Perspective: While there is no official transcript of a “visibly distraught” Šeško attacking the manager, his body language after the equalizer suggested a player who knows he should be the first name on the team sheet.
Looking Ahead: The Champions League Push
Despite the drama, the 1-1 draw actually keeps Manchester United in a strong position for the Top 4, especially given that Chelsea also dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Leeds on the same night. However, with the “spark” clearly coming from the bench, the pressure is now on Michael Carrick to stop being “stubborn” and unleash his best creative assets from the opening whistle.
The “disheartening” reality for United fans is that while the unbeaten run continues, the reliance on late-game heroics suggests a system that is still far from perfect.
