After tough opening games to Michael Carrick’s reign which United came out of with a huge morale boost and 6 points on the board, a home tie against a promising Fulham side proved to be a different but still tough test for the interim manager. For the first time, United went in as favourites against their opponents, knowing that a counter-attacking style would be unlikely due to being the home side and having the majority of possession.

United showed their attacking promise however, and despite Fulham being terrific on the ball in escaping United’s press, they created some late drama with Kevin’s terrific equaliser, but Untied showed the grit and determination that suggests Carrick is capable of leading this side in tough moments, as Sesko produced a quality composed finish to seal all 3 points, continue this winning run and ensure United remain in 4th spot, possibly even hunting down Villa and City above them.

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Teams

Manchester United: Lammens, Shaw, Martinez, Maguire, Dalot (Mazraoui 86′), Mainoo, Casemiro (Ugarte 75′), Cunha (Sesko 74′), Fernandes, Amad, Mbeumo (Yoro 90′)

Subs: Bayindir, Heaven, Malacia, Zirkzee, Lacey

Fulham: Leno, Robinson (Sessegnon 71′). Cuenca (Bassey 86′), Andersen, Castagne, Berge, Iwobi, Chukqueze (Cairney 79′), Smith Rowe (Kevin 71′), Wilson, Jimenez

Subs: Lecomte, Tete, Reed, King, Kusi-Asare

Manchester United 3-2 Fulham

Manchester United edged a breathless Premier League contest at Old Trafford with a 3–2 victory over Fulham on Sunday afternoon, delivering drama right up to the final seconds. In front of a packed and lively crowd, the game ebbed and flowed with real intensity, showcasing both United’s attacking promise and Fulham’s refusal to go quietly. It was the sort of match that reminded everyone why football, at its best, is never predictable.

The hosts started brightly and were rewarded in the opening stages. United controlled possession early on, moving the ball with confidence and purpose, and their breakthrough arrived midway through the first half. A well-delivered set piece caused problems in the Fulham area, and Casemiro was on hand to rise highest and power a header beyond the goalkeeper. The goal settled United and lifted the atmosphere, with the home side heading into the interval looking comfortable and in control.

That sense of control seemed to grow shortly after the restart. United doubled their lead with a slick attacking move, finished emphatically by Matheus Cunha, whose sharp movement and composed strike capped an impressive spell from the hosts. At 2–0, the game appeared to be drifting firmly in United’s favour, with Fulham struggling to find a foothold and Old Trafford sensing a routine afternoon.

Fulham, however, had other ideas. A penalty midway through the second half offered them a lifeline, calmly converted to halve the deficit and shift the momentum. Suddenly, United looked uneasy, and that unease deepened when Fulham struck again with a stunning long-range effort to level the score. What had been a comfortable lead turned into a nervy finale, with the visitors pressing forward and the home crowd holding its breath.

Just as the match seemed destined for a draw, United produced one final moment of quality. Deep into stoppage time, a swift attack carved open the Fulham defence, and substitute Benjamin Šeško showed remarkable composure to control and fire home the winner. Old Trafford erupted as the final whistle followed soon after, sealing a thrilling 3–2 win that underlined United’s resilience and provided a memorable end to a captivating Premier League encounter.

Talking Points

The first talking point comes in the form of Casemiro who once again proved he still is a top quality player that United will struggle to replace this summer. With a head vs heart battle, the fans are split on his decision to leave in the summer, knowing that he is nearing the end of his career, could struggle when United play multiple times a week as they hope to, and of course the finances involved in his spell at Old Trafford. However, when comparing that to his aerial ability, his leadership in key moments, his vision and reading of the game, and of course the ability to produce a no-look assist to put United 2-0 up make it a tough final run this season for United fans. With the player taking to United in a positive way, the fans continue to show their appreciation with another standing ovation for the player as his farewell run goes on.

The second player to mention has to be Benjamin Sesko, who since Carrick has arrived is yet to start a game, with Mbeumo the starting forward, however his ability to offer such a difference from the bench makes him a useful addition to the squad. While questions will continue to occur over his price tag and potential, with United being stung on expensive forwards in the past, his ability to strike a ball, his aerial ability and ultimately playing a role as super sub cannot be understated. While he will eventually return to the starting XI in the near future, Sesko has 6 goals and 1 assist in 21 appearances so far, a decent return considering he’s had limited minutes in recent weeks. Additionally, his attitude to not be kicking up a fuss at the limited minutes also speaks to his character which for a 22 year old promising talent is rather impressive, and something that could bring him future success at the club.

Finally, looking at the bigger picture, Carrick has 3 wins in 3, United sit in 4th and are only just 5 points from Villa in 3rd and 6 from City in 2nd. While a title race push seems a little farfetched at this stage, they look the more likely of the European chasing pack to maintain this until the end of the season, with Chelsea and Liverpool both unpredictable and having their mind stretched across several competitions. If United secure Champions League football, this could be job done for Carrick, but a 3rd or even 2nd placed finish could see him jump to the front of the permanent manager option queue.