Manchester United news doesn't get much more dramatic than this. In a pulsating afternoon at Old Trafford, Benjamin Sesko’s 94th-minute winner secured a 3-2 victory over Fulham, propelling the Red Devils back into the Premier League Top 4 race. The stunning stoppage-time strike capped off a rollercoaster match that saw United surrender a two-goal lead before snatching all three points, marking a third consecutive victory under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Sesko's Heroics Save the Day at Old Trafford
For eighty minutes, Manchester United appeared to be cruising toward a routine victory. Casemiro had opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a towering header from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick, and Matheus Cunha doubled the advantage shortly after the break with a clinical finish. The atmosphere was celebratory, a stark contrast to the clown-mask protests that had taken place outside the stadium just hours earlier.
However, the mood shifted drastically in the final stages. Raul Jimenez gave Fulham a lifeline from the penalty spot in the 85th minute after a clumsy challenge by Harry Maguire. Nerves began to fray, and when Fulham substitute Kevin curled in a magnificent equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time, Old Trafford fell into stunned silence. It seemed the fragile confidence of the post-Amorim era was about to shatter.
But this United side, revitalized under Carrick, refused to crumble. deep into added time, Bruno Fernandes found space on the right and delivered a precise cross. Benjamin Sesko, who had struggled for service earlier in the game, controlled the ball with a pirouette and drilled a low finish past Bernd Leno, sparking scenes of absolute bedlam in the Stretford End. "That was unbelievable," Sesko told reporters after the match. "To score a winner like that in front of these fans is what you dream of."
Michael Carrick: The Interim King Midas
The victory maintains Michael Carrick’s perfect start as interim boss. Since taking the reins following Ruben Amorim’s departure, Carrick has masterminded three straight Premier League wins, including impressive triumphs over Manchester City and Arsenal. His ability to stabilize the squad and reintegrate players like Casemiro—who was instrumental with a goal and an assist today—has been nothing short of remarkable.
Carrick’s tactical adjustments were evident again against Fulham. He opted to start Cunha in place of the injured Patrick Dorgu, a move that paid dividends when the Brazilian forward lashed home United’s second goal. Speaking post-match, Carrick was visibly emotional. "It’s the best feeling," he admitted. "The spirit the boys showed to react after conceding the equalizer tells you everything about the character in this dressing room."
Champions League Qualification in Sight
The significance of this Benjamin Sesko winner cannot be overstated. The three points lifted United into fourth place, capitalizing on slip-ups by their rivals earlier in the weekend. The Champions League qualification race is heating up, and United suddenly look like the team with the most momentum. With key fixtures approaching, the belief that Carrick has instilled could be the deciding factor in returning elite European football to the Theatre of Dreams.
Protests Cast Shadow Despite Victory
While the result was positive, the day began with a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between the fanbase and the club's hierarchy. Before kickoff, hundreds of fans organized by "The 1958" group gathered on the forecourt wearing clown masks. The Old Trafford protests were a visual representation of the fans' belief that the club is being "run like a circus" by the Glazer family and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Banners calling for full direct ownership change were prominent, and chants against the board were audible even as the stadium filled up. The "clown ownership" narrative has gained traction following the chaotic end to Amorim’s tenure, and despite the on-pitch success under Carrick, the underlying frustration remains palpable. It serves as a complex backdrop to what is becoming an increasingly hopeful season on the grass.
Man Utd vs Fulham Highlights: Key Moments
Beyond the goals, the Man Utd vs Fulham highlights reel will feature several pivotal controversial moments. Fulham had a goal disallowed by VAR for a marginal offside against Samuel Chukwueze, and were denied a penalty shout earlier in the game. Marco Silva was furious on the touchline, claiming his side deserved at least a point for their spirited comeback.
Yet, history will only remember the final scoreline. United’s resilience, driven by the resurgent form of senior stars and the clinical edge of Sesko, has turned a potential crisis season into one of promise. As the team prepares for their next fixture, the question on everyone's lips is no longer who the next manager will be, but rather: can Michael Carrick keep this magic alive long enough to secure the job permanently?
