Substitute Benjamin Sesko delivered a stunning stoppage-time goal, clinching a thrilling 3-2 victory for Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick, marking his third consecutive win at the helm as Fulham fell just short at a vibrant Old Trafford.
Carrick, a former player, captain, and coach of the Red Devils, has revitalized the atmosphere at Old Trafford, steering the team away from the struggles that plagued them in 2026, particularly following Ruben Amorim’s tumultuous tenure.
His comeback was highlighted by impressive victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, but it appeared that United might let another win slip away as late goals from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha were canceled out.
Raul Jimenez converted an 85th-minute penalty, followed by an exquisite stoppage-time strike from Fulham substitute Kevin, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
However, Sesko maintained his composure, skillfully controlling the ball and firing it into the net in front of the Stretford End, igniting wild celebrations and elevating United to fourth place in the Premier League.
It was an exhilarating conclusion to a match that began with protests against the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe outside the stadium.
Inside, the hosts started strong, with goalkeeper Bernd Leno making key saves from the energetic Amad and Harry Maguire before United’s Senne Lammens showcased his reflexes to stop a close-range attempt from Joachim Andersen.
Jorge Cuenca was involved soon after, initially given a penalty for fouling Cunha in the box, but the decision was reversed by VAR, confirming that the foul occurred before entering the area.
Fulham’s manager Marco Silva expressed his frustration as Casemiro converted a free-kick delivered by Bruno Fernandes to head home the opener in the 19th minute.
After taking the lead, United faced some pressure as Lammens managed multiple half-chances from Fulham. Leno was called into action again, denying Bryan Mbeumo
shortly after the break, but Fulham pressed on.
Lammens saved a Harry Wilson free-kick, and United capitalized on a strong defensive performance in the 56th minute when Casemiro’s clever no-look pass set up Cunha, who delivered a powerful finish from a tight angle.
The goal invigorated the home crowd, despite Cuenca appearing to score a response for Fulham in the 65th minute. However, Samuel Chukwueze’s follow-up shot was narrowly ruled offside after a lengthy VAR check.
Cunha, playing well, was soon replaced to generous applause along with Casemiro, while Sesko, who came on, saw a header hit the post before sending another effort over the bar.
As is often the case, United made things more challenging and Lammens faced Jimenez’s penalty after a foul from Maguire, who had been booked. Jimenez coolly scored from the spot, equalizing for Fulham.
Fulham continued to push for a late equalizer, and Kevin delivered a sensational strike in the first of nine minutes of stoppage time, seemingly securing a point.
Yet, United’s resilience shone through as, in the fourth minute of added time, Sesko met Fernandes’s pass, made a deft touch, and unleashed a powerful shot that proved to be the decisive goal.