Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has revealed who they “can always count on”, following the West Ham United draw.
Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United on Tuesday evening will be a disappointment to most fans of the club, but Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run has continued as they prepare to face Everton.
Unlike under previous managers, Carrick chose to go for a result and take off a defender for a forward player – Diogo Dalot for Benjamin Šeško.
Šeško proved to be the difference maker with a brilliant flick into the top right corner in additional time to draw United level. The Slovenian could’ve been the match-winner if Amad had played a better pass in the final seconds of the game. However, Šeško’s goal would’ve been just a consolation if it hadn’t been for Senne Lammens and Leny Yoro.
When Harry Maguire was forced off through injury, Yoro replaced him and was given a huge task, especially when Dalot was withdrawn – meaning Bryan Mbeumo moved back to right-back. Yoro made two last-ditch blocks to keep United in the game, before Šeško’s late equaliser.
Lammens was also key in United’s defensive showing. While he could’ve done better for Tomas Soucek’s opener, the young Belgian made several good saves to deny West Ham a second and keep United fighting.
Lammens reveals Carrick’s key man
Following United’s late draw against West Ham, Lammens spoke in the mix-zone and revealed how important Šeško has been this season, even when he hasn’t started.
“Honestly, he’s been like he’s always been the whole season, even if he’s starting or not starting,” Lammens told reporters after the tie when asked about Šeško’s reaction to being named on the bench.
“I think he knows how important he is for us, even when he’s not starting. Like today and against Fulham, because in the end, when we need a goal, we can always count on him.
“So that’s why he was important today. I think he did his job well, but I’m sure if he starts, he’ll also do his job. It’s nice to be able to count on him in both occasions.”
Šeško’s impact from the bench proved to be the difference, in the end, as it did against Fulham. In fact, three of Šeško’s United goals have come in the 85th minute or later.
Has Šeško earned a start against Everton?
Due to their FA Cup elimination at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion, United’s next game isn’t until Monday, 23 February in 12 days.
Šeško is yet to start under Carrick, but could be given his first since Darren Fletcher’s only Premier League game against Burnley, especially with Everton’s red card.
Read More: Nicky Butt praises new Man Utd ‘mindset’ as he gives verdict on Champions League prospects
In their 2-1 loss to AFC Bournemouth, Jake O’Brien was sent off for a last-man challenge. Nathan Patterson will likely take his place at right-back, losing them a huge amount of their height.
O’Brien is a known aerial threat and could’ve shut down Šeško’s back-post attempts, but Patterson will not have that same ability. Šeško could be the man for the job.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.