Whatever unfolds in the coming weeks, there is an unmistakable echo of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's initial impact in what Michael Carrick is currently achieving at Manchester United. Three matches, three victories, and more exhilaration packed into five hours of Premier League football than some managers generate in an entire season.
A Familiar Pattern of Success
Solskjaer accomplished something similar once before, it must be remembered. When the Norwegian stepped into the breach following Jose Mourinho's dismissal in 2018, he remarkably won his first eight games in charge. If Carrick can approach anywhere near that formidable record – especially given that all his fixtures are in the demanding Premier League – United could find themselves on the cusp of Champions League qualification.
For Carrick, the objective is strikingly clear. His primary mission, regardless of whether he eventually secures the permanent managerial role, is to leave Manchester United in a superior position to when he assumed temporary control. Should he continue to deliver the kind of heart-stopping drama witnessed against Fulham, it promises to be an unforgettable journey for every supporter who holds the club dear.
A Victory Laced with Vulnerability
This triumph represented a different challenge compared to the recent wins against Manchester City and Arsenal. This encounter was punctuated by some of the defensive frailties and uncertainties that may persist until the club manages to strengthen key positions in the transfer market. Nevertheless, it was a victory all the same, and United, for the time being, are undeniably building momentum.
United appeared to have secured the three points comfortably after establishing a two-goal advantage. A first-half header from the influential Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, followed by a spectacular rising drive from Matheus Cunha just before the hour mark, seemed to have put the game beyond Fulham's reach.
Late Drama at Old Trafford
However, in a somewhat careless manner, United then proceeded to relinquish their hard-earned lead by conceding territory and possession. A confidently taken penalty from Raul Jimenez, followed by a stunning 92nd-minute equaliser from the young Brazilian talent Kevin, hauled Fulham level and appeared to have earned them a deserved point.
Yet, United are currently infused with a newfound belief under Carrick's stewardship, and here they managed to conjure one of those iconic late goals for which the club was once renowned. The ever-excellent Bruno Fernandes provided the crucial delivery, and Benjamin Sesko emphatically smashed the ball home at the Stretford End. The resulting noise and celebration were a sight to behold.
There may have been pre-match protests against the club's ownership, but this is precisely the kind of spectacle that draws people to football grounds: unadulterated happiness, relentless drama, and life-affirming joy.
The Transformative Power of Winning
Securing victories accomplishes far more than merely accumulating league points. It elevates team spirit, fosters confidence, and allows players to express themselves more freely. There were clear signs of this transformation early in the match from a United side that suddenly looked less susceptible to individual errors and lapses in concentration.
Deploying players in their natural positions has undoubtedly contributed to this improvement. Carrick's team already appears more cohesive with its 4-2-3-1 formation. Early on, young central midfielder Kobbie Mainoo spread play wide to winger Amad Diallo, who cut inside onto his favoured left foot and unleashed a fierce shot that Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno did well to tip over the bar.
Shortly afterwards, Harry Maguire rose powerfully to meet a corner, directing his header down at the near post where Leno gathered safely. United were playing with brightness and clear purpose, and the home crowd responded with the kind of vocal support that has sometimes been absent in recent seasons.
Fulham's Resilient Challenge
Fulham, under the guidance of Marco Silva, certainly did not arrive at Old Trafford merely to make up the numbers. The London club now travels with genuine belief, regardless of the venue. Indeed, during the opening period, Fulham enjoyed more possession and looked dangerous. In midfielder Sander Berge, they possess an underrated talent, and the tall Norwegian was instrumental as his team pushed United back at various stages.
Fulham might have taken an early lead in the 13th minute when a first-half corner was headed down at the back post by Jorge Cuenca. There may have been a slight push on a United defender, but when the ball fell to captain Joachim Andersen, his instinctive effort was smartly palmed away by United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The game possessed an engaging balance early on, making it a compelling watch. It was therefore unfortunate that United gained their initial advantage in somewhat contentious circumstances.
Controversial Opening Goal
Referee John Brooks had earlier chosen not to penalise Cuenca for a challenge on Bryan Mbeumo. He then seemed overly eager to make amends when the same Fulham player tackled Cunha ten minutes later. A penalty was awarded immediately, despite replays suggesting Cuenca had clearly played the ball.
VAR intervention correctly instructed Brooks to award a free-kick for a shirt pull just outside the area instead. Whether the referee had even seen this offence remains unclear. United, understandably, did not concern themselves with the controversy. When Bruno Fernandes delivered the set-piece, Casemiro rose above Cuenca to power a header home from six yards out.
While Fulham's defending of the free-kick was poor, and Casemiro's header was excellent, the entire incident felt peculiar. On the touchline, Marco Silva received a yellow card for the fervour of his protests.
United's Counter-Attacking Threat
With the lead secured, United grew in comfort. As Fulham pressed for an equaliser, the home side always carried a menacing threat on the counter-attack. This United forward line can be exhilarating when allowed to run at pace, and there were glimpses of that potency here. At the other end, Alex Iwobi forced a save from Lammens with a low drive as Fulham continued to play with conviction.
Given the pattern of the first half, the start of the second period was always likely to be crucial. Fulham twice came close to scoring as Lisandro Martinez was forced to clear from under his own crossbar, and then Lammens dropped sharply to save a Harry Wilson free-kick despite being unsighted.
A Fulham goal at that juncture would have asked serious questions of a United side not always renowned for resilience. Instead, United sprang forward to score a breathtaking goal that, at the time, seemed to provide the breathing space they desperately sought.
Cunha's Spectacular Strike
It was Casemiro who displayed the vision to spot Matheus Cunha stealing a yard of space on the edge of the Fulham area in the 56th minute. His perfectly weighted pass was met by Cunha, whose rising drive from an angle nearly took the roof off the Stretford End. It was a classic counter-attacking goal, executed with both power and style, suddenly leaving Fulham with a mountain to climb.
Although Cuenca later volleyed in a loose ball after a free-kick rebounded off the United wall, he was correctly adjudged offside by a VAR decision that, inexplicably, took an unacceptable three and a half minutes to reach.
Fulham's Spirited Fightback
With 25 minutes remaining, Fulham's challenge appeared to be over. It was not. A rash challenge by the otherwise impressive Harry Maguire on Raul Jimenez conceded a penalty with seven minutes of normal time left. The Portuguese striker calmly lifted his spot-kick into the roof of the net.
Then, in the second minute of nine added on, the drama escalated further. Kevin, formerly of Shakhtar Donetsk, unleashed the goal of his life from 20 yards, a stunning curling effort that seemed to have secured a famous point for Silva's team, echoing their result against Liverpool earlier in the season.
Sesko's Last-Gasp Heroics
But United were not finished. A magnificent spin by Bruno Fernandes on the far touchline evaded Calvin Bassey. His low cross eventually found its way to Benjamin Sesko, whose quick turn and shot sent the ball soaring into the top corner past Leno's left hand. The eruption of noise confirmed that Michael Carrick's dream start as Manchester United's interim manager continues to gather remarkable pace.
