MANCHESTER – Manchester United continued their resurgent form under interim manager Michael Carrick, securing a heart-stopping 3-2 victory against Fulham at Old Trafford. A 94th-minute winner from Benjamin Sesko ensured the Red Devils claimed all three points in a match that saw a frantic late collapse and recovery.
The Opening Salvo
United dominated the early proceedings, dictating the tempo through a revitalized midfield. The deadlock was broken in the 19th minute when Casemiro rose highest to meet a corner, powering a header into the top corner. The momentum stayed with the hosts well into the second half, and it seemed the game was put to bed in the 56th minute when Matheus Cunha finished a swift counter-attack to make it 2-0.
Late Game Chaos
Despite United’s dominance, the final ten minutes descended into chaos. Fulham were handed a lifeline in the 85th minute when a clumsy challenge in the box resulted in a penalty, which Raul Jimenez converted with composure. The tension reached a breaking point in the 91st minute as Fulham’s Kevin found space in the box to slot home an equalizer, leaving the home crowd in stunned silence.
The Decisive Moment
With only seconds remaining on the clock, United launched one final assault. In the 94th minute, substitute Benjamin Sesko became the hero of the night, latching onto a loose ball inside the area and firing a low drive past the goalkeeper. The goal sparked wild celebrations across Old Trafford, marking United’s third consecutive victory.
League Implications
This victory catapults Manchester United into 4th place in the Premier League standings with 41 points. The “Carrick Effect” remains in full swing as the team prepares for a crucial away fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on February 7.
