Manchester United 3-2 Fulham: Sesko’s Stoppage-Time Heroics Seal Dramatic Victory at Old Trafford – In-Depth Match Analysis
Manchester United survived a heart-stopping comeback to beat Fulham 3-2 at Old Trafford, thanks to Benjamin Sesko’s emphatic 94th-minute winner. Read the full analysis below.
Manchester United were leading 2-0 in a crucial Premier League match, only to see their advantage evaporate in the dying minutes. Then, in a flash of brilliance, a substitute striker delivered the knockout blow. That’s exactly what unfolded at Old Trafford on February 1, 2026, as Manchester United edged Fulham 3-2 in a rollercoaster encounter. Under interim boss Michael Carrick, the Red Devils extended their winning streak to three, climbing to fourth place. But this wasn’t just any win—it was a testament to resilience amid chaos.
We dive deep into the game’s twists, tactical nuances, player heroics, and statistical insights. We shall break down why this match epitomizes the Premier League’s unpredictability. Stick around for honest takes on what went right, what faltered, and what it means for both teams’ seasons.
Match Summary: A Tale of Two Halves and Late Drama
Manchester United started brightly, dominating early possession and creating chances. Fulham, sitting eighth before kickoff, absorbed pressure but threatened on counters. The first half saw United take a deserved lead, but the second exploded into a frenzy of goals and near-misses.
By full time, Manchester United had 42% possession compared to Fulham’s 58%, yet they edged the shot count 13-14, with both sides managing six on target. Expected goals (xG) told a story of efficiency: United at 1.74, Fulham at 1.97, highlighting how clinical finishing decided the day.
Carrick’s side moved to 11 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses, amassing 41 points. Fulham dropped to 10-4-10 with 34 points, a setback in their push for European spots. The result underscored United’s revival under Carrick, matching the starts of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the third manager to win his first three Premier League games in charge.
Key Moments: Goals, VAR Drama, and Heart-Stopping Finishes
The game ignited in the 19th minute when Casemiro rose highest to head in Bruno Fernandes’ pinpoint free-kick. This came after a VAR review overturned an initial penalty call for Jorge Cuenca’s foul on Matheus Cunha, deeming it outside the box. Casemiro’s bullet header set the tone, rewarding United’s early pressure where Amad Diallo and Harry Maguire tested Bernd Leno.
Post-halftime, Manchester United doubled their lead in the 56th minute. Casemiro’s outrageous no-look pass found Cunha, who thumped a first-time finish into the roof from an acute angle. It looked comfortable, but Fulham stirred.
In the 65th minute, VAR intervened again, disallowing a Fulham goal when Samuel Chukwueze was flagged offside in the buildup to Cuenca’s tap-in. The Cottagers persisted, earning a penalty in the 85th when Maguire fouled Raul Jimenez. The Mexican converted coolly, sending Senne Lammens the wrong way.
Stoppage time turned manic. In the 90+1′, substitute Kevin curled a stunner from the left, equalizing at 2-2. Old Trafford fell silent, but not for long. Three minutes later, Fernandes’ clever dummy and low cross found Benjamin Sesko, who controlled and slammed home the winner into the top corner.
These moments defined the drama: United’s set-piece prowess, Fulham’s late surge, and Sesko’s redemption after hitting the post earlier.
Tactical Breakdown: Strengths, Vulnerabilities, and Adjustments
Carrick deployed a 4-2-3-1, with Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo anchoring midfield, allowing Fernandes freedom to create. Manchester United pressed high early, forcing turnovers, but tired late, conceding space that Fulham exploited.
Fulham’s Marco Silva opted for a 4-2-3-1 too, with Sander Berge and Alex Iwobi in midfield. They ceded possession (58%) but dominated xG, creating better chances via counters led by Chukwueze and Harry Wilson. Their issue? Wastefulness until substitutes Kevin and Ryan Sessegnon injected pace.
United’s passing was crisp (366 completed from 421), but defensive lapses in stoppage time nearly cost them. Carrick’s subs, like Sesko for Cunha in the 74th and Manuel Ugarte for Casemiro, added fresh legs but exposed flanks. Fulham won more tackles (12-9) and aerial duels, showing physical edge, yet United’s individual quality prevailed.
Honestly, United’s tactics worked for 80 minutes but crumbled under pressure, a recurring theme in Amorim and post-Amorim era. Fulham deserved a point for their resilience, but poor finishing let them down.
Standout Performers: Player Ratings and Key Contributions
Senne Lammens earned man-of-the-match plaudits with a 9/10 rating, making crucial saves from Andersen, Wilson, and a potential Maguire own-goal. His reactions kept Manchester United in it during Fulham’s barrage.
Casemiro was immense at 9/10: goal, assist, and midfield dominance. Fernandes (7/10) shone with two assists, his energy vital. Cunha (7/10) impressed with his goal, drifting right to create. Sesko (8/10) turned hero despite a near-miss.
Defensively, Lisandro Martinez (7/10) neutralized Jimenez early, while Maguire (5/10) mixed solid headers with the penalty-conceding foul. Diogo Dalot (5/10) struggled against Chukwueze.
For Fulham, Jimenez (goal) and Kevin (stunner) stood out, but Leno’s early saves kept them alive. Overall, United’s stars edged it, but Fulham’s subs nearly stole the show.
| Player | Rating | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Senne Lammens (MU) | 9/10 | Multiple key saves |
| Casemiro (MU) | 9/10 | 1 goal, 1 assist |
| Benjamin Sesko (MU) | 8/10 | Winning goal |
| Bruno Fernandes (MU) | 7/10 | 2 assists |
| Lisandro Martinez (MU) | 7/10 | Strong defending |
| Matheus Cunha (MU) | 7/10 | 1 goal |
| Kobbie Mainoo (MU) | 7/10 | Defensive instincts |
| Amad Diallo (MU) | 7/10 | Threatening attacks |
| Harry Maguire (MU) | 5/10 | Penalty conceded |
| Diogo Dalot (MU) | 5/10 | Exposed defensively |
Ratings based on Goal.com analysis.
Manager and Fan Reactions: Elation and Frustration
Carrick praised the team’s “never-say-die attitude,” noting Sesko’s composure as key. He rated this his least impressive performance yet but valued the three points. Silva fumed over VAR decisions, shaking his head after the winner.
On X, fans erupted. One post captured the chaos: “19′ 1-0, 57′ 2-0, 86′ 2-1, 90′ 2-2, 90+3 3-2.” Another hailed Sesko: “What a striker.” United supporters celebrated the “old-school” drama, while Fulham fans lamented missed opportunities. Protests against owners Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe added pre-match tension.
Sky Sports’ Alan Smith called it “What a game!” praising Fernandes’ magnificence. The vibe? Pure Premier League theater.
Statistical Deep Dive: Beyond the Scoreline
Manchester United’s efficiency shone: 6 shots on target from 13 yielded 3 goals. Fulham matched shots but converted poorly until late. Passing accuracy favored Fulham (89% vs. United’s 87%), reflecting their control.
Tackles (United 9, Fulham 12) and aerial wins (United 13) showed physical battles. United’s set-pieces were lethal, with Fernandes’ deliveries key. Fulham’s xG dominance suggested they deserved more, but Lammens’ heroics denied them.
Bookings included Casemiro, Maguire, and Fulham’s Alex Anderson, adding edge. Subs impacted: Sesko’s winner, Kevin’s equalizer. These stats reveal United’s grit over dominance.
Season Implications: Boost for United, Setback for Fulham
This win propels United into Champions League contention, fourth on 41 points. Carrick’s perfect start buys time for a permanent appointment, lifting morale after Amorim’s struggles.
For Fulham, dropping to eighth hurts European ambitions. Their fightback shows potential, but finishing woes persist. Jimenez’s goal could spark form, but defensive frailties exposed.
Looking ahead, United face tougher tests; maintaining intensity is key. Fulham need consistency to climb.
Final Thoughts: A Classic That Defines the Premier League
Manchester United’s 3-2 triumph over Fulham was raw, authentic drama—flawed yet exhilarating. Sesko’s heroics masked defensive issues, but the win reignites Old Trafford’s fire. For Fulham, it’s a valiant effort undone by moments.
This match reminds us why we love football: unpredictability, passion, and late twists. If United build on this, top-four beckons. Share your thoughts—did United deserve it, or was Fulham robbed?
