Match Review: Manchester United 3-2 Fulham

Šeško’s Last-Gasp Heroics Cap Thrilling Old Trafford Drama

Old Trafford witnessed pulsating late drama on Sunday as Manchester United dug out a 3–2 victory over Fulham — a result that continues the club’s remarkable revival under Michael Carrick. It was a night that had everything: a composed early set-piece finish, incisive midfield play, a penalty, a stoppage-time equaliser for the visitors and, ultimately, a last-gasp winner that sent Old Trafford into raptures.

As the final whistle echoed around the Theatre of Dreams, those numbers barely scratched the surface of a contest that tested every ounce of character this United side has been building under their interim manager.

Tactical Setup and Early Exchanges

United lined up in a pragmatic 4-2-3-1, with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo sitting in front of the back four to provide protection and an outlet for Bruno Fernandes higher up the pitch. Fulham approached in a 4-3-3, aiming to control territory — and the possession numbers reflected that plan perfectly: Fulham enjoyed 57.6% of the ball to United’s 42.4%.

The shot count was almost even (United 13 – Fulham 14) and United edged shots on target 6–5, but this was very much a game decided by moments rather than dominance. Fulham’s patient approach suggested they believed their moment would come, probing and prodding at United’s defensive structure with methodical precision.

First Half: Set-Piece Precision

The opener came from a scenario that has been a hallmark of United’s season: Bruno Fernandes picking out a late runner at set pieces. In the 19th minute, Bruno swung a searching cross to the near-post area and Casemiro timed his run to perfection, heading home to make it 1–0. The Brazilian midfielder’s presence in the box summed up his influence tonight: attacking threat from deep and leadership in the middle third.

Senne Lammens was called upon a handful of times, notably a sharp save from Joachim Andersen early on, but United handled Fulham’s pressure well in the first 45 minutes. The visitors had the bulk of possession and probes down the flanks, but Carrick’s side looked dangerous whenever they pushed on the break or won a set piece.

Second Half: Control, Collapse, and Character

The game appeared to be settling into a comfortable rhythm for United when, just after the hour mark, Matheus Cunha doubled the lead. Casemiro threaded an excellent through pass and Cunha finished from the right side of the box into the centre of the goal (56’). It was an example of Casemiro’s underrated passing range — even after the announcement of his departure at the end of the season, his contribution tonight was decisive.

Fulham pushed hard thereafter; Jorge Cuenca thought he’d pulled one back only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside (65’). United responded with two tactical substitutions — Benjamin Šeško replacing Cunha (74’) and Manuel Ugarte coming on for Casemiro (75’) — the latter a clear attempt to shore up the midfield as Fulham’s pressure mounted.

But football rarely follows predictable scripts. The complexion of the match changed dramatically in the final quarter. A rash challenge from Harry Maguire in the box handed Fulham a penalty (83’) and Raúl Jiménez clinically converted to make it 2–1 (85’). The momentum swung fully in Fulham’s favour.

They were rewarded further deep into stoppage time when substitute Kevin curled a stunning effort from distance into the top-right corner (90+1’), and it looked for a moment as if United’s three points had evaporated. Old Trafford was tense.

Stoppage-Time Theatre

Enter Benjamin Šeško. The Slovenian striker, whose big-money move from RB Leipzig had been met with the usual mixture of excitement and skepticism, had hit the bar with a header straight after his introduction. But this United team has demonstrated resilience in recent weeks, and crucially, Bruno Fernandes has shown up when it matters most.

In the 90+4’ minute, Bruno delivered a perfect cross from the right and Benjamin Šeško — the impact substitute — pirouetted and fired a composed finish into the top corner. The strike was the definition of a super-sub moment: minimal fuss, maximum impact. Old Trafford erupted and United held on despite manic late moments.

Individual Performances

Bruno Fernandes was once again United’s heartbeat with two assists, keenness to influence every attack and that composure from set pieces that has become his trademark. His ability to deliver in crucial moments continues to separate him from his peers.

Casemiro endured a bittersweet night. He scored the opener and assisted Cunha before being substituted; with contract speculation swirling, he reminded supporters of the quality they may soon lose. His performance highlighted why United will miss his experience and passing range.

Benjamin Šeško proved his worth as the ultimate impact substitute. The striker’s late finish will live long in the memory — a moment that justified his significant transfer fee and demonstrated why Carrick turned to him when the game hung in the balance.

Matheus Cunha was energetic and a real goal threat throughout his time on the pitch. His movement and finish for the second goal were excellent, showcasing the pace and clinical finishing that convinced United to invest heavily in his services.

Fulham deserve credit for their persistence. Their 57.6% possession showed their commitment to controlling the game, and Kevin’s stoppage-time thunderbolt was brilliant. They forced United into defensive decisions and nearly took a deserved point.

The Bigger Picture

This victory represents Carrick’s third consecutive win as interim manager, continuing United’s climb up the table and demonstrating the character that has become a hallmark of his brief tenure. The win moves United back into the top four, reigniting hopes of Champions League qualification.

The match served as a reminder of the threads running through United’s current narrative: Casemiro’s uncertain future — yet he continues to deliver on the pitch — and Bruno’s status as the creative fulcrum. The capacity to grind out results, to rely on substitutes for decisive moments and to find winners in the dying embers has been a recurring positive this season.

Areas for Improvement

There are still questions to answer. United gave up too much possession and were sloppy in moments, particularly in defensive decision-making, that allowed Fulham back into the game. Maguire’s penalty concession is a teachable moment; Carrick will want more discipline from his defence.

The possession statistics suggest United are still finding their tactical identity. While the ability to win without dominating the ball can be valuable, the best teams typically control games more comprehensively than United managed here.

Verdict

A dramatic, imperfect but thoroughly satisfying victory. Manchester United didn’t dominate but they were clinical when it mattered. Bruno and Casemiro were the architects, Šeško the hero; Fulham forced a late test and almost took a point but United’s revival continues.

This was exactly the kind of performance — resilient, character-driven, and ultimately triumphant — that Old Trafford has been craving. The ability to find winners in the dying moments speaks to a mentality that Carrick has instilled in just a few short weeks.

Final Score: Manchester United 3–2 Fulham
Possession: 42.4% – 57.6% (United – Fulham)
Shots (on target): 13 (6) – 14 (5)

Up next, United will look to build on this character-boosting win as the season’s run-in intensifies. If Bruno continues to pull the strings and the bench keeps producing match-winners like Šeško, there’s every reason for optimism about the remainder of the campaign. The revival continues, one dramatic victory at a time.