Manchester United produced a dramatic climax at Old Trafford on Sunday as Manchester United edged Fulham 3-2 in a pulsating Premier League clash, sealed by a stoppage-time winner from Benjamin Sesko. The late strike kept alive United’s surge under Michael Carrick, marking the interim manager’s third straight win since taking over the reins.
Early control and lead squandered
United started brightly in front of a lively home crowd, and the opener came in the 19th minute when Casemiro rose highest to head in from a set-piece delivered by Bruno Fernandes, putting the hosts ahead. After the break, United doubled their advantage when Matheus Cunha latched onto a precise through ball and fired into the top corner, seemingly putting the result beyond Fulham’s reach.
But the drama was far from over. Fulham fought back with increasing urgency, and their resurgence began when Raúl Jiménez scored a penalty in the 85th minute, narrowing the margin and giving the visitors belief. Before long, substitute Kevin produced a stunning curling effort in stoppage time to level the scores, silencing the Old Trafford crowd.
Sesko’s brilliant winner in 94th minute
Just when a share of the spoils looked likely, United found a final twist. In the fourth minute of added time, Benjamin Sesko controlled a clever pass from Bruno Fernandes before driving a sensational finish into the top corner. The theatre of dreams erupted as United snatched victory in the dying moments, sealing a 3-2 win that swung back and forth until the last kick.
Sesko’s goal was his fourth in four appearances and a testament to his growing influence as the Red Devils’ dramatic run builds under Carrick’s guidance.
Carrick’s impact and momentum
The victory extended Carrick’s perfect unbeaten start, following impressive triumphs over Manchester City and Arsenal, and lifted United to fourth place in the Premier League. The 3-2 result under pressure highlighted a squad responding to Carrick’s message of work rate and collective resilience, a shift noted openly by Sesko, who credited improved team energy and discipline throughout the 90 minutes.
For Carrick, a club legend now in interim charge, the weekend’s result underlines a rare sense of belief returning to Old Trafford amid ongoing discussions about his future. Only a handful of managers in United’s long history have begun their tenure with three consecutive league wins, a feat shared with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
What it means going forward
The victory keeps United firmly in contention for a top-four finish and a potential return to the Champions League, a long-cherished objective for the club this season. Fulham, despite their spirited fightback and flashes of invention, will rue late lapses as they slip back down the table after pushing United to the brink.
As the Premier League enters a crucial phase, Carrick’s blend of attacking intent and late drama has galvanised confidence around Old Trafford. For Sesko, who has answered critics with decisive contributions, Sunday’s winner could prove to be one of the standout moments of United’s revival.
