In a match that felt like a vintage throwback to the Ferguson era, Benjamin Sesko spun his way into Manchester United folklore with a 94th-minute winner to defeat Fulham 3-2. The victory marks a perfect three-for-three start for interim manager Michael Carrick, propelling the Red Devils back into the Premier League’s top four.
Michael Carrick has achieved in three games what took his predecessor, Ruben Amorim, 36 Premier League matches: a three-game winning streak. Following high-profile scalps of Arsenal and Manchester City, this victory proved United could also navigate the "low block" and mental fatigue of a resilient Fulham.
It’s the best feeling, I have to say. Scoring in front of the Stretford End... it puts layers on the connection between the team and the fans.
Michael Carrick
The match was defined by two lengthy VAR interventions that left Fulham boss Marco Silva "disgusted."
Overturned Penalty: United were initially awarded a penalty for a foul on Matheus Cunha. VAR overturned it because the tackle was outside the box but awarded a free-kick for a prior shirt pull. Casemiro headed home from that very set-piece.
Disallowed Goal: Fulham’s Jorge Cuenca thought he had equalized, but a four-minute review ruled the goal out for a marginal offside against Samuel Chukwueze.
Silva labelled the officiating "horrendous" and "terrible," accusing the VAR of "re-refereeing" the match.
Off the pitch, the atmosphere was equally charged. Police estimated between 500 and 600 supporters took part in a march organized by The 1958 fan group. The protest was directed at majority owners the Glazers and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with fans citing rising ticket prices and a "mess" of recent executive decisions, including the hiring and firing of Dan Ashworth.
