Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick maintained his flawless start in charge as a dramatic stoppage-time goal from Benjamin Sesko secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham on Sunday.
United went ahead through Casemiro’s headed effort in the first half and appeared firmly in control when Matheus Cunha doubled the advantage shortly after the restart at Old Trafford.
However, a chaotic ending transformed the contest. Raul Jimenez reignited Fulham’s hopes with a penalty five minutes from time before Kevin produced a stunning equaliser deep into stoppage-time to seemingly snatch a point for the visitors.
United responded immediately and with real resilience, as the often-criticised Sesko netted his fourth goal in as many matches to clinch Carrick’s third consecutive win as interim boss.
Following surprise victories over Manchester City and Premier League leaders Arsenal, the pulsating encounter further strengthened the impression that former United midfielder Carrick may possess a golden managerial touch.
Now unbeaten in seven league matches, United climbed to fourth place as their push for Champions League qualification gathered serious momentum.
A return to Europe’s elite competition would mark a major achievement for Carrick, who was dismissed by Championship side Middlesbrough last year.
During Amorim’s unsettled 14-month spell, United managed three successive wins only once, a sequence Carrick has already equalled within weeks of taking charge until the end of the campaign.
As a result, United’s leadership may be forced to consider appointing Carrick on a permanent basis should this impressive run continue.
Whether that would satisfy the 1958 Manchester United supporters’ group remains uncertain, especially after they staged a protest against the club’s ownership outside Old Trafford before kick-off.
Hundreds of fans, some wearing clown masks, assembled to vent their anger at United’s decline under the Glazer family and the perceived lack of progress since co-owner Jim Ratcliffe assumed control of football operations.
The group claimed United are “being dragged through chaos by clown ownership” and are “run like a circus”.
Supporters chanted against the owners, waved banners, and lit flares along Sir Matt Busby Way in a highly charged atmosphere.
Once the smoke cleared, Carrick’s selection gamble paid off as Cunha was handed a starting role in place of the injured Patrick Dorgu, following the Brazilian’s match-winning display at Arsenal the previous weekend.
Fulham had been in strong form, with only Arsenal collecting more points over the prior eight games, but United found the solution to halt that run.
United initially thought they had earned a penalty after Jorge Cuenca fouled Cunha, but a VAR review confirmed the infringement occurred just outside the box.
The reprieve proved brief as United capitalised from the resulting free-kick in the 19th minute. Bruno Fernandes delivered to the far post and Casemiro climbed above everyone to power a header beyond Bernd Leno.
United extended their lead in the 56th minute when Cunha scored his sixth goal of the season. Casemiro’s clever no-look pass released him inside the area and the Brazilian fired an emphatic finish past Leno from a tight angle.
Fulham felt hard done by when VAR ruled out Cuenca’s goal in the 65th minute, with Samuel Chukwueze judged narrowly offside after poking Jimenez’s free-kick into Cuenca’s path.
United began to look shaky and Jimenez reduced the deficit in the 85th minute, calmly converting a penalty after Harry Maguire fouled the Mexican forward.
The home side appeared on the brink of collapse when Kevin cut in from the right and curled a sublime strike into the far corner from the edge of the box in stoppage-time.
Yet just two minutes later, United demonstrated their fighting spirit as Sesko latched onto Fernandes’ pass and blasted a powerful finish high into the net from 12 yards, sparking wild celebrations.
What you should know
Michael Carrick’s interim spell at Manchester United is rapidly reshaping the club’s season. Since taking charge, he has overseen wins against elite opposition and restored belief within the squad.
The dramatic victory over Fulham underlined United’s renewed resilience and attacking intent, while also pushing them into the Champions League qualification places. Sesko’s late heroics and Casemiro’s influence highlight key individual contributions driving this revival.
With fan unrest still simmering off the pitch, Carrick’s results are strengthening the case for continuity and stability at a club desperate for direction and progress.
