Sesko’s Stoppage-Time Stunner Lifts United to Fourth in Thrilling Fulham Win

Manchester United produced another dramatic chapter in their resurgence as Benjamin Sesko struck deep into stoppage time to secure a pulsating 3-2 Premier League victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The win moved Manchester United up to fourth place on 41 points and further underlined the impact of interim manager Michael Carrick, whose short reign has already delivered statement victories over Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal. Fulham, meanwhile, slipped to eighth after a bruising defeat.

United looked firmly in control for long spells after taking a two-goal lead. Casemiro opened the scoring in the 19th minute, rising above the Fulham defence to head home Bruno Fernandes’s free kick. The goal came shortly after Matheus Cunha had been fouled just outside the penalty area, earning the set piece.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 56th minute through Cunha, who finished confidently from a tight angle. The move was crafted by Casemiro, whose clever no-look pass sliced through Fulham’s back line and set up the Brazilian forward.

Fulham, however, refused to fade. Samuel Chukwueze briefly thought he had pulled a goal back midway through the second half, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside. The visitors finally found a breakthrough in the 85th minute when Raul Jimenez converted from the penalty spot after Harry Maguire fouled him in the box.

Drama escalated in the 91st minute when Kevin unleashed a fierce strike from the edge of the area that beat United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, sparking wild celebrations as Fulham believed they had salvaged a point. It was Kevin’s first Premier League goal for the club and seemed to cap a remarkable comeback.

But United had one final twist. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Fernandes slipped the ball past Calvin Bassey and picked out Sesko inside the box. The Slovenian striker smashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner, sending Old Trafford into raptures.

The result continued United’s sharp turnaround since Ruben Amorim was sacked on January 5, while Fulham were left to reflect on a painful late blow.

“Really frustrating,” Fulham midfielder Emile Smith Rowe told Sky Sports. “I thought the boys fought really hard today to get back into the game. It’s a bit annoying to concede straight after equalising.”