Manchester United secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday, with Benjamin Sesko's dramatic late goal sealing the win and propelling the Red Devils back into the Premier League's top four. The match was a captivating display of attacking football, marked by moments of brilliance, controversial VAR decisions, and a never-say-die attitude from both sides.
United started strong, with Casemiro heading in a Bruno Fernandes free-kick in the 19th minute to give the home side the lead. Matheus Cunha doubled the advantage in the 56th minute with a well-taken finish, seemingly putting United in a comfortable position. However, Fulham mounted a late comeback, with Raul Jimenez converting a penalty in the 84th minute and Kevin scoring a stunning equalizer in the 91st minute. Just as it appeared that United had thrown away two points, substitute Benjamin Sesko popped up to score the winner in the 94th minute, sparking jubilant scenes at Old Trafford.
Sesko's late intervention not only secured the victory but also highlighted his growing importance to the team. The Slovenian forward has now scored 4 goals in 18 Premier League appearances this season, demonstrating his ability to impact games. His goal against Fulham was a testament to his composure and clinical finishing, as he controlled a Bruno Fernandes cross before firing a shot into the roof of the net.
The match was not without its talking points, with several VAR decisions causing frustration for both teams. Fulham manager Marco Silva was particularly incensed by a VAR review that overturned an initial penalty decision in favor of United, leading to a free-kick from which Casemiro scored. A Fulham goal was also disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR delay.
Despite the controversy, United's resilience and determination to fight until the final whistle were commendable. Even after conceding a late equalizer, the team refused to give up and continued to press for a winner. This never-say-die attitude has become a hallmark of United's play under interim manager Michael Carrick, who has now guided the team to three straight wins.
The victory against Fulham was crucial for Manchester United in their pursuit of Champions League qualification. With the win, United climbed back into the top four, although the race for those coveted spots remains tight. Chelsea, who are also vying for a top-four finish, are currently in fourth position.
Looking ahead, Manchester United face a tough test against Tottenham Hotspur on February 7th. Carrick will be hoping that his team can maintain their current form and continue their revival as they aim to secure a place in next season's Champions League.