Goal Summary
- Casemiro, 19′, Manchester United
- Matheus Cunha, 56′, Manchester United
- Raúl Jiménez, 85′ (pen), Fulham
- Kevin, 90’+1, Fulham
- Benjamin Šeško, 90’+4, Manchester United
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Early VAR Drama Sets the Tone
Manchester United’s third straight Premier League win under Michael Carrick came wrapped in controversy, chaos and late theatre, as Benjamin Šeško (90’+4) fired a stoppage-time winner to defeat Fulham 3–2 at Old Trafford.
The drama began inside the opening 20 minutes when referee John Brooks awarded United a penalty for a foul on Cunha — only for VAR to intervene and rule the infringement had started outside the box. Instead, Bruno Fernandes swung in the resulting free-kick and Casemiro (19′) rose highest to head beyond Bernd Leno.
The reaction inside Old Trafford said everything. One supporter near the Stretford End summed up the mood perfectly: “This is what United do — even when VAR tries to stop it.”
Cunha Doubles the Lead as United Look in Control
United appeared to have settled the contest shortly after the break. A perfectly weighted pass from Casemiro dissected Fulham’s defence and Matheus Cunha (56′) thundered a first-time finish into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
At that stage, Carrick’s side looked composed, dominant and in full control, with Fulham struggling to match United’s tempo through midfield.
VAR Denies Fulham and Fuels Old Trafford Tension
Just when Fulham thought they had a route back into the match, Jorge Cuenca bundled the ball home from close range — only for another lengthy VAR check to chalk the goal off for offside in the 69th minute.
The decision infuriated Marco Silva and triggered chants against VAR from both sets of supporters. As one Fulham fan was overheard muttering, “How long does it take to kill a moment?”
That disallowed goal, combined with the earlier overturned penalty, directly contributed to the nine minutes of stoppage time that would later define the match.
Late Fulham Fightback Turns the Game on Its Head
United’s control suddenly evaporated in the closing stages. Harry Maguire was penalised for a clumsy challenge in the box and Raúl Jiménez (85′) coolly smashed the penalty into the top corner to halve the deficit.
Then came the moment that silenced Old Trafford. Substitute Kevin (90’+1) cut inside and unleashed a ferocious strike into the far top corner, sending Fulham’s bench into wild celebration and threatening to steal a point.
For a brief moment, it felt like United’s night had unravelled.
Šeško Channels ‘United DNA’ with Last-Gasp Winner
With the clock ticking deep into added time, United summoned one final surge. Bruno Fernandes clipped a pass into the area and substitute Benjamin Šeško (90’+4) took a touch, swivelled sharply and drilled an unstoppable finish into the top corner.
The roar from the Stretford End was instant and deafening. Carrick punched the air, while one United player could be heard shouting, “That’s United DNA — never stop.”
The goal sealed a third consecutive league win and sparked scenes of pure relief and exhilaration around Old Trafford.
Carrick’s Rapid Impact Puts United Back in the Top Four
The victory carried added significance for United’s interim head coach. It took Ruben Amorim 36 Premier League matches to register three successive league wins at the club — Carrick has needed just three.
The former midfielder has rejuvenated belief, tempo and attacking intent, with United now climbing back into the top four and re-establishing momentum at a critical stage of the season.
Fulham Analysis: Late Surge, Lingering Frustrations
Despite the defeat, Fulham left Manchester with credit. Harry Wilson was among their standout performers, repeatedly driving play and creating openings, while the late goals from Jiménez (85′) and Kevin (90’+1) showed character and quality.
However, Marco Silva’s frustrations go deeper. With the transfer deadline approaching, Fulham’s delayed business — including the yet-to-debut Oscar Bobb — continues to raise concerns about squad depth, especially in creative areas. As Silva hinted post-match, “We’re competing — but to go further, timing matters.”
Match Verdict
United looked comfortable at 2–0, panicked at 2–2, and then found something special when it mattered most. Fulham deserved their comeback, but Šeško (90’+4) ensured Old Trafford witnessed another classic late winner — the kind that has long defined Manchester United’s identity.
Final score: Manchester United 3–2 Fulham
Venue: Old Trafford
Man of the Match: Casemiro — goal, assist, and control at the heart of midfield
