Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on February 01, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
United began brightly and were rewarded in the 18th minute when Casemiro rose highest to head home from a Bruno Fernandes delivery following a set piece.
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Man Utd substitute scores 94th-minute winner in 3-2 success after Fulham fought back from 2-0 down
Benjamin Sesko’s stoppage-time winner spared Manchester United’s blushes as they saw off a late Fulham comeback to win 3-2 at Old Trafford.
Man Utd substitute Sesko had headed against the woodwork from close range with his side leading 2-0 on Sunday, and that miss almost came back to bite the hosts.
Raul Jimenez scored an 85th-minute penalty, before Kevin’s stunning strike made it 2-2 soon after.
Fulham’s spirited response came after Casemiro headed Man Utd in front in the 19th minute, from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick, and then sensationally teed up Matheus Cunha to double the home side’s lead early in the second half.
Yet in the fourth minute of a frantic period of stoppage time, Fernandes set up Sesko to dispatch a fine finish high into the net to make it three wins from three under Michael Carrick, as Man Utd moved into fourth place, while Fulham drop to eighth.
Casemiro of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on February 1, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
The early goal settled the hosts, who controlled much of the first half despite Fulham creating a few chances of their own.
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was called into action several times, producing key saves to deny Joachim Andersen and Alex Iwobi as Fulham searched for an equaliser.
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on February 01, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
After the break, United pushed forward again and found a second in the 55th minute. Matheus Cunha finished clinically after being played through by Casemiro, giving the hosts what looked like a comfortable cushion at 2–0.
Jorge Cuenca of Fulham scores a goal, which was later disallowed following a VAR review for offside during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on February 01, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
However, the contest soon turned chaotic.
A Fulham goal was ruled out by VAR in the 64th minute for offside, but the visitors refused to fade. Pressure mounted on the United defence, with Harry Maguire heavily involved in a series of blocks and clearances.
The breakthrough for Fulham came in the 84th minute after Maguire conceded a penalty. Raúl Jiménez converted from the spot to make it 2–1 and suddenly momentum swung.
Raul Jimenez of Fulham scores his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on February 01, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) Sports league merchandise
With nine minutes of added time announced, Fulham struck again. In the 90th minute, Kevin unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box to level the match at 2–2, silencing the stadium and threatening to derail United’s winning streak.
But Carrick’s men had the final say.
Deep into stoppage time, Benjamin Šeško produced the decisive moment, latching onto a Bruno Fernandes cross before firing a right-footed shot into the top corner in the 93rd minute.
The late winner completed a roller-coaster finish and underlined United’s growing belief under their new tactical identity.
The victory not only delivered three valuable points but also reinforced the attacking confidence and late-game resilience that fans have begun to associate with “Carrick Ball.”
The late winner completed a roller-coaster finish and underlined United’s growing belief under their new tactical identity.
The victory not only delivered three valuable points but also reinforced the attacking confidence and late-game resilience that fans have begun to associate with “Carrick Ball.”
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