Sesko’s Stoppage-Time Strike Extends Carrick’s Perfect Start at United
Manchester United 3-2 Fulham | Premier League
A dramatic stoppage-time goal from substitute Benjamin Šeško secured Michael Carrick’s third consecutive win as Manchester United head coach, as the Red Devils edged out Fulham 3-2 in a pulsating Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
The late winner capped another emotionally charged afternoon in Manchester, lifting United into fourth place and further underlining the momentum Carrick has generated since replacing Ruben Amorim.
United’s revival continues under Carrick
Carrick’s appointment has sparked an immediate upturn in form and belief, following statement victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. United looked on course for another controlled success after building a two-goal cushion, only for Fulham to mount a dramatic late comeback.
The atmosphere inside Old Trafford was electric from the outset, contrasting sharply with protests staged outside the stadium earlier in the day against the club’s ownership.
Casemiro opens the scoring after VAR controversy
United began on the front foot, with Bernd Leno denying Amad and Harry Maguire, while at the other end Senne Lammens reacted sharply to keep out Joachim Andersen.
A pivotal moment arrived midway through the first half when Jorge Cuenca was initially penalised for bringing down Matheus Cunha in the box. VAR intervened to overturn the decision, ruling the holding offence had occurred outside the area.
Fulham head coach Marco Silva was visibly incensed, and moments later United took full advantage. From the resulting free-kick, Bruno Fernandes delivered perfectly for Casemiro, who powered a header beyond Leno to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Cunha doubles the lead with moment of brilliance
The match slowed before half-time, but intensity returned after the restart. Leno again kept Fulham alive by denying Bryan Mbeumo, yet United’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute.
Casemiro produced a sublime no-look pass to release Cunha, who rifled a spectacular first-time finish from a tight angle into the roof of the net. The goal appeared to put United firmly in control and sparked loud celebrations inside Old Trafford.
Fulham fight back with late goals
Despite United dominance, Fulham refused to fold. A lengthy VAR check denied the visitors a goal for offside, before United introduced Šeško, who immediately struck the post with a header.
United’s grip loosened late on, and Fulham were handed a route back into the contest when Harry Maguire was booked for a challenge on Raúl Jiménez. The Mexican striker calmly converted the penalty in the 85th minute to set up a frantic finale.
Deep into stoppage time, Fulham appeared to have completed the comeback when substitute Kevin curled a superb effort into the corner, silencing Old Trafford and seemingly stealing a point.
Sesko delivers last-gasp winner at the Stretford End
United’s response was instant and emphatic. In the fourth minute of added time, Bruno Fernandes slid a precise pass into Šeško, who took one touch before unleashing a thunderous finish in front of the Stretford End.
The goal sparked wild celebrations and sealed another unforgettable victory under Carrick, reinforcing the sense that belief has returned to Old Trafford.
