Recap

Manchester United Edge Dramatic Thriller Against Fulham: Sesko’s Stoppage-Time Heroics Seal Top-Four Return

Manchester United clinched a heart-stopping 3-2 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on February 1, 2026, with substitute Benjamin Sesko’s emphatic stoppage-time strike propelling the Red Devils back into fourth place in the Premier League standings.

The match, a pulsating encounter in Matchweek 24, showcased United’s resilience under new head coach Michael Carrick, marking his third consecutive win and silencing doubters after a rocky start to the season. With United sitting at 11-8-5 and 41 points prior to kickoff, the win was crucial in their chase for Champions League qualification, while Fulham slipped to eighth following their late collapse.

Early Dominance: Casemiro Heads United Ahead

United burst out of the blocks at a rocking Old Trafford, forcing Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno into early action. Just five minutes in, Amad Diallo tested Leno with a sharp effort, signaling United’s intent.

The breakthrough came in the 19th minute after a moment of controversy. Matheus Cunha appeared to be hauled down in the box by Fulham’s Jorge Cuenca, prompting referee John Brooks to award a penalty. However, VAR intervened, correctly deeming the foul to have occurred just outside the area, upgrading it to a free-kick.

Fulham boss Marco Silva’s visible frustration turned to despair moments later as Bruno Fernandes delivered a pinpoint free-kick, which Casemiro met with a powerful header to open the scoring. The Brazilian midfielder rose highest to plant his effort past Leno, giving United a deserved lead and electrifying the home crowd.

The first half settled into a cagey affair thereafter, with United custodian Maarten Lammens – likely standing in for the absent Andre Onana – comfortably dealing with Fulham’s half-chances. Harry Wilson curled a free-kick wide, but United held firm, ending the half 1-0 up.

Second-Half Surge: Cunha Doubles the Lead in Style

Fulham emerged with renewed vigor after the break, spreading themselves to deny Bryan Mbeumo early on as Leno produced a fine save. Harry Maguire also went close for United, but Fulham knocked persistently at the door, with Wilson again testing Lammens from a set-piece.

United dug deep and struck decisively in the 56th minute. Casemiro, in inspired form, produced a no-look pass to thread compatriot Cunha through on goal down the right flank. The Brazilian No. 10 – on his first Premier League start since January – unleashed a thumping first-time finish from an acute angle, rifling it into the roof of the net to make it 2-0.

This was Cunha’s third goal involvement in three recent games, underlining his growing influence since joining United. The goal seemed to put daylight between the sides, with Casemiro excelling in both defense and attack.

Fulham thought they had pulled one back nine minutes later when Samuel Chukwueze’s shot deflected for Cuenca to tap in, but VAR ruled Chukwueze offside, much to the visitors’ dismay.

Late Drama Unfolds: Fulham’s Valiant Comeback

As the clock ticked into the final stages, complacency crept in for United. In the 85th minute, Harry Maguire lunged at Raul Jimenez, fouling the Mexican international just inside the box – even after Jimenez had got his shot away, which Lammens saved. Referee Brooks pointed to the spot, and Jimenez coolly slotted into the top corner, halving the deficit at 2-1.

Maguire’s booking for the challenge epitomized United’s mounting tension, and Fulham sensed blood. Lammens had earlier denied Jimenez from close range, but the visitors’ pressure intensified.

The drama escalated into nine minutes of stoppage time. Substitute Kevin – Fulham’s exciting winger – collected a return pass, darted in from the left, and unleashed an exquisite curling strike from the edge of the box, bending it brilliantly into the net for 2-2. It was his first Premier League goal, a screamer that briefly broke United hearts and had Marco Silva’s side dreaming of a point.

Highlights footage captured the pandemonium, with NBC Sports commentators noting Fulham’s “late late stoppage time goal” after trailing 2-0, epitomizing Marco Silva’s side’s morale-boosting form entering the match.

Sesko’s Redemption: Stoppage-Time Savior Sparks Bedlam

Just when it seemed Fulham had stolen a famous draw, United’s never-say-die spirit prevailed. Seconds after entering the fray, Sesko had earlier hit the post with a header from Amad’s cross while United led 2-0, a miss that loomed large.

In the fourth minute of added time, Fernandes – United’s talismanic captain – tricked his way past Calvin Bassey and lofted a perfect cross to the back post. Summer signing Sesko, the Slovenian striker, took a composed touch before slamming home a thumping finish in front of the Stretford End, curling it into the top corner for the winner.

The goal ignited bedlam at Old Trafford, securing the points and extending Carrick’s perfect start. Sesko’s composure under pressure turned the tide, redeeming his earlier woodwork hit and propelling United to 44 points, leapfrogging into the top four.

Standout Performances: Heroes and Near-Misses

Casemiro was the midfield maestro, scoring the opener with a header and assisting Cunha’s stunner with that audacious no-look pass. His all-around display anchored United’s revival.

Bruno Fernandes dictated play, providing the free-kick for the first goal and the killer assist for Sesko. Matheus Cunha’s clinical finish marked his growing impact, while Lammens earned plaudits with key saves against Jimenez and others.

For Fulham, Raul Jimenez’s penalty was poise personified, and Kevin’s wondergoal will live long in the memory – a debut Premier League strike of pure class. Marco Silva’s side showed grit, nearly overturning a two-goal deficit, with Leno and Wilson also threatening.

Maguire’s error proved costly, earning a booking and gifting the penalty, while Cuenca’s VAR-disallowed goal summed up Fulham’s bad luck.

Tactical Insights and Broader Implications

Carrick’s United displayed attacking flair but defensive fragility, conceding twice late after dominating. Their ability to strike back twice in stoppage time highlights improved mentality under the new boss, who now boasts three wins from three.

Fulham, under Silva, punched above their weight, their late rally echoing recent morale-boosting runs. Dropping to eighth stings, but the performance bodes well for survival and beyond.

Old Trafford’s atmosphere was electric, with highlights packages from NBC Sports, Sky Sports, and United’s own channel capturing the frenzy – from Sesko’s Stretford End roar to Kevin’s equalizer.

This thriller encapsulated Premier League drama: penalties, VAR calls, screamers, and last-gasp winners. United’s top-four return intensifies the title race, while Fulham’s resolve promises more twists. Fans will replay this one for years.