Manchester United failed to make it five consecutive Premier League wins on Tuesday night as West Ham United upset the odds in London to prevent Michael Carrick from achieving a seven-year feat and Frank Ilett from having a chance to put an end to his hair misery.

Despite the improved form under the interim boss, it was disappointing to drop points against a team like West Ham United, who are battling relegation, after beating title favourites and other higher teams in the standings.

Benjamin Sesko scored a late equalizer to rescue a point for the Red Devils, who are now unbeaten in nine league games despite falling behind to Tomas Soucek's goal five minutes after the restart.

The result means Manchester United missed the chance to extend their winning run to five under Michael Carrick, but even if it hurt their pride, the club and everyone attached to it continue to appreciate the brilliant rejuvenation under their former midfielder.

Nevertheless, we have identified five important opportunities that Manchester United has passed by, as they continue their bid for a return to the Champions League. This also clears up an illusion that they may yet be in the title race.

(5) What could have been for Man United in the West Ham draw

1. Missed out on a seven-year feat

Manchester United missed the chance to record five straight Premier League wins, a feat that has eluded them since winning six consecutive games between December 2018 and January 2019.

After beating Manchester City in the derby, they followed it up with wins against Londoners Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur, it appeared the record champions are on their way to break the spell, but surprisingly, the easiest fixture complicated the situation.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær, in his first six Premier League games in charge of the club was the last coach to achieve the feat for United. Even though Carrick missed the chance this time, there is optimism that another will be presented, and hopefully, it is one he can take.

2. Missed out on the top three

Manchester United trailed third-place Aston Villa by three points heading into their game with West Ham, and had the opportunity to move level on points with Unai Emery's team, who are not in action until Wednesday.

With a superior goal difference, United would have also spent the night in third, while awaiting the outcome of Villa's game against Brighton, as they look to correct a form that has seen them win just one in five league games.

It was all set for Michael Carrick and the boys, but West Ham United had other ideas, and the Hammers were able to extend their unbeaten home run against United to four, although Sesko denied them what could have been four straight wins in that period.

3. Ended the title chances illusion 

Since the appointment of Michael Carrick, no Premier League team has won more points than Manchester United, and having beaten City and Arsenal in this run, United fans are starting to fantasize about a potential chance in the title race.

In recent weeks, both Arsenal and Manchester City have emerged as the title favourites, and have dropped points in games that would suggest that they are after all vulnerable.

United trailed league leaders Arsenal by 12 points and a win over West Ham United could have reduced it to nine. But now, they risk falling 20 points behind Mikel Arteta's team before the next time they'll be in action against Everton.

4. Missed the chance to end the haircut guy's misery

Not so sure if Frank Ilett will want it to come any time soon. As Wayne Rooney remarked in a recent interview, "I bet he’d be devastated if United win the fifth game because all of a sudden he's irrelevant”.

Tuesday was the 493rd day that the haircut guy has made the vow not to cut his hair until Manchester United wins five consecutive games in the Premier League, a commitment that dates back to the time of Erik Ten Hag.

Since that time, his brand has grown and he has received widespread publicity, including ambassadoral gigs that have been non-stop recently.

Understandably, the club winning five straight Premier League games will put an end to his selling point, and even though he doesn't control the result of games, he does want the best for himself.

Winning five consecutive Premier League games is far-fetched, not just for Manchester United but for anyone. Since the start of the season, only two clubs, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, and Aston Villa, have been able to achieve the feat.

Safe to say Frank Ilett will be keeping his hair for some time because the count will have to restart, and with just 12 games remaining this season, and teams becoming desperate to salvage what is left of their season, nothing is predictable.

5. Missed the chance to steer clear of chasers

On a day when Chelsea dropped points at home to Leeds United, that was an opportunity for Manchester United to extend the gap between themselves and their closest rivals.

Unfortunately, the difference remains a single point, although they have Benjamin Sesko's last-gasp equalizer to be thankful for, and will now wait nervously as Liverpool travels to Sunderland, while Brentford plays Arsenal later in the week.

Going forward: Michael Carrick and Manchester United 

Michael Carrick has led Manchester United to 13 points out of 15 and helped them surpass their total point tally from last season. Although Ruben Amorim also played a part, there's no denying it came sooner thanks to the former.

The priority is well understood by the former Middlesbrough head coach, and at this stage, everyone expects that it'll be achieved come the end of the season, although nights like yesterday are what separate them from the true title favourites.

The audition continues for Michael Carrick, and how his team responds to this disappointment will be crucial in determining whether he is truly ready for the job as demanded by fans and pundits.

In total, Carrick has now managed eight Man United games without suffering a defeat, and should he continue to maintain this number in the business end of the season, there is no denying the spot will be his full-time, come May.