Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick maintained his flawless start in charge as Benjamin Sesko struck in stoppage time to secure a thrilling 3–2 Premier League victory against Fulham on Sunday.
United went ahead in the first half through a Casemiro header and appeared firmly in control when Matheus Cunha doubled the lead shortly after the break at Old Trafford.
The match turned chaotic late on. Raul Jimenez reduced the deficit from the penalty spot with five minutes remaining, before Kevin stunned the home crowd by firing in a sensational equaliser deep into stoppage time.
United responded immediately, however, as Sesko—often criticised earlier in the season—scored his fourth goal in as many games to clinch Carrick’s third consecutive win since taking charge.
After engineering surprise victories over Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal, the dramatic win further fuelled belief that Carrick may possess a special managerial touch.
United are now unbeaten in seven league matches and climbed to fourth place, strengthening their push for Champions League qualification. Securing a top-four finish would be a major achievement for Carrick, who was dismissed by Championship side Middlesbrough last year.
During Ruben Amorim’s difficult 14-month tenure, United managed three straight wins only once—an achievement Carrick has already matched within weeks of his interim appointment.
With results improving rapidly, United’s hierarchy may be forced to consider handing Carrick the role permanently if the impressive run continues.
However, unrest among supporters remains. The 1958 Manchester United fans group staged a protest outside Old Trafford before kick-off, targeting the club’s ownership.
Hundreds of fans, some wearing clown masks, gathered on Sir Matt Busby Way, criticising the Glazer family and expressing frustration over the lack of progress since Jim Ratcliffe assumed control of football operations. Protesters waved banners, lit flares and chanted accusations that the club is being “run like a circus.”
United Take Charge
Once play began, Carrick’s selection gamble paid off as Cunha was handed a starting role in place of the injured Patrick Dorgu, following his match-winning goal at Arsenal last weekend.
Fulham entered the contest in strong form, having collected more points than all but Arsenal over their previous eight matches, but United found a way to halt that momentum.
United were initially denied a penalty after Cunha was fouled by Jorge Cuenca, with VAR ruling the offence occurred just outside the box. From the resulting free-kick in the 19th minute, Bruno Fernandes delivered a pinpoint cross that Casemiro powered past Bernd Leno.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 56th minute as Casemiro’s clever no-look pass released Cunha, who rifled a clinical finish into the net from a tight angle.
Fulham felt aggrieved when Cuenca’s goal was ruled out by VAR in the 65th minute, with Samuel Chukwueze judged marginally offside in the build-up.
The visitors refused to fold and were handed a lifeline when Jimenez converted an 85th-minute penalty after being fouled by Harry Maguire.
Deep into stoppage time, Kevin appeared to have rescued a point for Fulham with a stunning curled effort from the edge of the area. But United showed resilience, as Sesko latched onto Fernandes’ pass and blasted home from close range to spark jubilant celebrations.
