Manchester United needed every second of a wild finish at Old Trafford, and Benjamin Sesko delivered. The substitute smashed home the winner in the 94th minute to beat Fulham 3-2, sealing Michael Carrick’s third straight Premier League victory and lifting United back into the top four. It was breathless, it was nervy, and it was the kind of night that tests a team’s nerve as much as its talent.

This was more than a scoreline. It was another data point in Carrick’s fast, calm rebuild: cleaner structure, bigger moments, and a growing belief that late drama can swing United’s way. Even so, the head coach’s post-match message, as echoed recently, stayed sober: “We need more.”

How the five-goal thriller unfolded

Old Trafford was loud from the start, and United stepped into the noise with control. On 19 minutes, Casemiro rose highest to meet a wicked Bruno Fernandes free-kick, guiding a smart header into the corner. The goal summed up two pillars of Carrick’s plan: set-piece sharpness and Casemiro’s authority.

Fulham threatened after the break, but United struck next. In the 56th minute, Casemiro turned creator with a no-look pass that split the line. Matheus Cunha—cool and composed—finished cleanly. That cushion should have settled United. It did not.

Fulham thought they had a way back on 65 minutes, only for VAR to chalk it off for offside. The visitors kept pushing. United wobbled. Then came the turning point: Harry Maguire was booked for bringing down Raúl Jiménez in the box, and the Mexican made no mistake from the spot in the 85th minute. Old Trafford’s anxiety grew.

Four minutes into the nine signaled for stoppage time, Fulham struck again. Kevin slammed in the equalizer at 90+1′, and Marco Silva—whose touchline mood swung between urgency and anger—looked furious at how the game had twisted yet again.

But United had one more punch. With 90+4 on the clock, Sesko arrived. A crisp, emphatic finish, and the stadium exploded. As one report put it, “Substitute Benjamin Sesko’s emphatic stoppage-time strike secured Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick a dramatic third straight win in charge as Fulham were edged out 3-2 at a rocking Old Trafford.”

“That’s a top-four goal from Sesko—massive moment, massive composure.”

Carrick’s blueprint: control, set-pieces, and timely subs

Carrick’s United is not flashy every minute. But there is a clear spine forming. Casemiro anchored the middle and drove the team forward. Bruno Fernandes picked his moments and provided two assists, one from a dead ball and another from open play. The blend matters: controlled tempo, and quick hits when space appears.

Crucially, United’s bench made the difference again. Sesko didn’t need a dozen touches to decide it—he needed one clean sight. That killer edge from a substitute is part of why this is now a three-match win streak under Carrick, with earlier statement victories against Manchester City and Arsenal setting the tone for this push.

Yet Carrick’s warning stands: “We need more.” United’s game still swung late, and the penalty and equalizer show that game management has to tighten. But the mentality, especially after losing a two-goal lead, is a strong sign.

“Casemiro bossed it, Bruno created, and the kids finished the job. That’s balance.”

Fulham’s fight and Silva’s fury

Fulham did not fold. Even after the VAR offside at 65′, they kept asking questions. Jiménez won the big duel for the penalty and converted it himself. Kevin’s late leveler at 90+1′ said everything about their belief.

Silva’s frustration at full-time made sense. In a game that stretched to nine minutes of stoppage time, his side had done the hard part by reeling United back. But one loose moment and one ruthless finish from Sesko left them empty-handed. Fulham leave with 34 points and a -1 goal difference after 24 games. It’s a solid platform, but the small margins hurt.

“Fulham were brave, but United’s bench had the last word. That’s the gap.”

Top-four pressure: United climb to fourth

This win moves Manchester United to fourth place on 41 points with a +8 goal difference after 24 games. It matters. The pack is tight: Chelsea at 40 and Liverpool at 39 are right there. The difference between fourth and seventh can be one finish, one save, one stoppage-time swing. That’s why Sesko’s strike may be remembered as more than a nice moment; it could be a season pivot.

United have rediscovered the knack for decisive moments. The next step is to stitch that into full-control performances so that late drama is a bonus, not a necessity.

Key performers and turning points

• Casemiro: Scored a strong header and created with a no-look pass. He was the game’s heartbeat.
• Bruno Fernandes: Two assists, both vital. His delivery from set pieces remains elite.
• Matheus Cunha: Clean finish for 2-0 at 56′. Took his chance well.
• Benjamin Sesko: The match-winner at 90+4′. Cold finish in a hot moment.
• Harry Maguire: Booked for the foul that led to the penalty. A reminder to manage risk better late on.
• Raúl Jiménez and Kevin (Fulham): Took their moments to drag Fulham level. Ruthless in chaos.

There were three major swings. First, the VAR offside at 65′ that kept United two ahead. Second, the penalty at 85′ that re-opened the match. Third, the equalizer at 90+1′ that turned the stadium tense. Each moment sharpened the stakes. In the end, a single strike from Sesko split the sides.

The verdict

United will celebrate the character and the win. Carrick will underline the need for cleaner control and fewer late scares. Both views are true. But this is also what top-four pushes look like: stressful, thin-margin, and decided by players who step up when the ground is shaking.

The table is tight, the schedule unforgiving, and the mood at Old Trafford is rising. Nights like these build belief. Nights like these also demand better habits. If United can pair both, fourth place will not be a ceiling—it will be a springboard.

For Fulham, the lesson is harsh but useful: they can go toe-to-toe at Old Trafford, and they can hurt good teams late. If they turn those brave spurts into full 90-minute control, the points will follow.

For now, the headline is simple: Manchester United 3, Fulham 2. Sesko, 90+4′. Old Trafford roared, and the top-four race just got tighter.