Manchester United produced a stunning late response to
edge Fulham in a chaotic Premier League encounter at Old Trafford, sealing a
third straight victory under caretaker boss Michael Carrick.
United struck first through Casemiro’s powerful
first-half header and appeared firmly in control when Matheus Cunha doubled the
advantage shortly after the break.
But the game exploded into life in the closing stages.
Raul Jimenez’s penalty with five minutes remaining handed Fulham a lifeline
before Kevin fired in a sensational equaliser deep into stoppage time to
seemingly snatch a point for the visitors.
United, however, showed remarkable resilience. Just
moments later, Benjamin Sesko—recently criticised by sections of the
fanbase—restored the lead with a clinical finish, scoring his fourth goal in
four games to spark scenes of jubilation inside Old Trafford.
The dramatic victory followed Carrick’s shock wins
over Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal, strengthening the belief that
the former United midfielder may be working miracles during his short spell in
charge.
Now unbeaten in seven league matches, United climbed
to fourth place as their push for Champions League qualification gathers
momentum. Securing a top-four finish would mark a remarkable turnaround for
Carrick, who was dismissed by Middlesbrough last year.
Notably, United had managed three consecutive wins
only once during Ruben Amorim’s troubled 14-month reign, a run Carrick has
already matched within weeks of his appointment until the end of the season.
The club’s hierarchy may soon face growing calls to
hand Carrick the job on a permanent basis—though tensions with supporters
remain high.
Before kick-off, members of the 1958 Manchester United
supporters’ group staged a protest outside Old Trafford, voicing frustration at
the Glazer family’s ownership and a perceived lack of progress since Sir Jim
Ratcliffe assumed football operations.
Hundreds of fans gathered on Sir Matt Busby Way, some
wearing clown masks and holding banners branding the club’s leadership chaotic,
while flares lit up the scene.
Once play began, Carrick’s tactical calls proved
decisive. Cunha was handed a starting role in place of the injured Patrick
Dorgu after scoring the winner against Arsenal last weekend.
Despite Fulham’s strong recent form—only Arsenal had
collected more points over the previous eight matches—United found a way to
halt their momentum.
After VAR overturned an early penalty appeal, United
eventually broke through in the 19th minute when Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick was
met by Casemiro, who powered a header beyond Bernd Leno.
United doubled their lead in the 56th minute through
Cunha, finishing from a tight angle after a clever no-look pass from Casemiro
in a move that highlighted their growing chemistry.
Fulham thought they had pulled one back when Jorge
Cuenca scored in the 65th minute, but VAR ruled the goal out for a marginal
offside decision involving Samuel Chukwueze.
The visitors refused to fold, however, and Jimenez
converted from the spot in the 85th minute after Harry Maguire brought him
down.
Fulham completed their comeback when Kevin curled a
sublime strike into the far corner in stoppage time, but United had the final
word. Two minutes later, Sesko latched onto Fernandes’ pass and drilled home
from close range to secure a thrilling victory.
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