Manchester United produced a dramatic stoppage-time finish at Old Trafford as Benjamin Sesko fired home a last-gasp winner to secure a thrilling Premier League victory over Fulham, making it three consecutive league wins under interim boss Michael Carrick.
In a match packed with controversy, VAR drama and momentum swings, United looked set to cruise, then collapse, before delivering a trademark late twist that sent the home crowd into raptures and lifted the club back into the Premier League’s top four.
Manchester United Dominate Before Late Chaos
Manchester United appeared firmly in control for large spells after Brazilian duo Casemiro and Matheus Cunha put the hosts two goals ahead with strikes either side of half-time.
The opening goal came amid confusion and frustration. Referee John Brooks initially awarded United a penalty after Jorge Cuenca was adjudged to have fouled Cunha. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned as the final contact was deemed to have occurred just outside the box.
From the resulting free-kick, Bruno Fernandes delivered a teasing cross to the far post, where Casemiro rose highest to nod Manchester United into the lead.
The hosts carried that momentum into the second half, and just 11 minutes after the restart, Casemiro turned provider. The midfielder threaded a perfectly weighted pass through the Fulham back line, allowing Cunha to burst through and smash an emphatic finish past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
At that stage, Old Trafford sensed a comfortable evening. Few could have predicted what was still to come.
VAR Controversy Shifts the Momentum
VAR continued to play a central role in the contest, much to the frustration of both sets of supporters. A Fulham goal was later disallowed following another extended review, prompting chants against the technology and an animated reaction from Cottagers boss Marco Silva on the touchline.
Those interruptions appeared to disrupt Manchester United’s rhythm, and Fulham slowly worked their way back into the contest.
Five minutes from time, Raul Jimenez gave the visitors hope after Harry Maguire brought him down in the penalty area. Jimenez took his time before stepping up, but showed remarkable composure as he blasted his spot-kick straight into the roof of the net.
Moments later, United’s two-goal cushion completely vanished. Kevin unleashed a thunderous strike from distance that flew into the top corner, silencing Old Trafford and seemingly rescuing a point for Fulham.
Manchester United Show Their DNA in Added Time
With nine minutes of stoppage time added on — largely due to the prolonged VAR checks — Manchester United were given one final chance to respond.
Much has been said in recent years about “United DNA,” a concept often debated and rarely defined. But if one thing has consistently been associated with Manchester United throughout their history, it is scoring decisive goals deep into injury time.
That tradition resurfaced in emphatic fashion.
In the dying moments, Bruno Fernandes picked out Benjamin Sesko with a precise pass into the box. The striker showed impressive composure, controlling the ball, swivelling away from his marker and drilling a powerful shot into the top corner before Fulham could close him down.
Old Trafford erupted as Sesko’s strike sealed an unforgettable victory.
Carrick Makes History at Old Trafford
The result marked Manchester United’s third consecutive Premier League win under Michael Carrick — a feat that took former boss Ruben Amorim 36 league matches to achieve during his tenure.
Carrick has needed just three games to match that run, and his impact has been immediate. The former United midfielder was serenaded by the home supporters at full-time, with fans clearly embracing the club legend’s return to the dugout.
With this dramatic victory, Manchester United climbed back into the Premier League’s top four, reigniting belief and momentum at a crucial stage of the season.
While questions remain about consistency and long-term direction, nights like this — full of drama, controversy and late heroics — serve as a reminder of why Manchester United remain one of the most compelling teams in English football. And under an old boy at the helm, an old-style finish felt just right.
Source: BBC
