Manchester United Hold Nerve to Beat Fulham 3-2 as Carrick’s Perfect Run Continues
Manchester United continued their impressive resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, sealed by a stoppage-time winner from Benjamin Sesko.
United appeared to be cruising after goals from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha put them in control, but a late Fulham rally forced a tense finale before Sesko struck decisively to hand Carrick his third straight win.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Casemiro powered a header past goalkeeper Bernd Leno after meeting Bruno Fernandes’ lofted free-kick at the far post.
United doubled their advantage shortly after the break through Cunha, who finished clinically from a tight angle after being picked out by Casemiro’s clever pass inside the box.
The goal marked Cunha’s sixth of the season and further underlined his growing influence in Carrick’s side.
Fulham found a route back into the contest late on when Raul Jimenez converted from the penalty spot in the 85th minute after Harry Maguire was penalised for a foul inside the area.
The visitors then stunned Old Trafford deep into stoppage time as Kevin cut in from the right flank and curled a superb equaliser into the far corner, seemingly completing a remarkable comeback.
United responded immediately. With emotions still high, Fernandes slid a pass into Sesko’s path and the forward made no mistake, driving the ball into the net from close range to spark jubilant scenes and secure all three points.
The result extended United’s unbeaten league run to seven matches and lifted them into fourth place, strengthening their push for a Champions League spot.
Carrick’s impact has been swift and striking, with wins over Manchester City, Arsenal and now Fulham following in quick succession. The former United midfielder has already matched the club’s longest winning streak from the previous managerial reign within weeks of taking charge.
Before kick-off, tensions around Old Trafford were evident as members of the 1958 Manchester United supporters’ group staged a protest against the club’s ownership, voicing dissatisfaction with the Glazer family and the direction of the club despite recent changes in football operations.
On the pitch, Carrick’s tactical decisions proved effective once again, notably his choice to start Cunha in place of the injured Patrick Dorgu, a move that paid dividends.
Fulham, who had been one of the league’s strongest sides in recent weeks, were left frustrated after a disallowed goal midway through the second half following a marginal offside decision, before their late surge ultimately fell just short.
United’s resilience in the closing moments ensured Carrick’s flawless start continued, keeping momentum firmly on their side as the season enters a decisive phase.
