Benjamin Sesko etched his name into Manchester United folklore with a breathtaking stoppage-time winner that secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford. The Slovenian striker's ecstatic celebration, surrounded by a melee of jubilant teammates, capped a sensational second half that saw United's revival under interim manager Michael Carrick continue with a third consecutive Premier League triumph.
A Late Twist in a Thrilling Encounter
The match appeared destined for a share of the points when Fulham's Kevin curled a sublime 92nd-minute equaliser past United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, silencing the home support. Yet, just 180 seconds later, Sesko produced a moment of pure magic, executing a sweet pirouette before firing past Bernd Leno to send the Stretford End into raptures.
Bruno Fernandes was the architect of the decisive goal, driving down the right flank before delivering a precise cross that Sesko converted with clinical efficiency. The striker's face lit up with sheer ecstasy as teammates mobbed him in celebration, a scene that contrasted sharply with the despair that had gripped Old Trafford moments earlier.
Second-Half Sensations and VAR Drama
The thrilling conclusion was the culmination of a breathtaking second period that featured three sensational strikes. United had taken control through Casemiro's first-half header, awarded after a contentious VAR intervention that overturned a penalty decision against Fulham defender Jorge Cuenca.
Matheus Cunha extended United's advantage with a finish reminiscent of Old Trafford greats, celebrating with a surfing-like gesture after smashing home from a tight angle. Fulham's resilience surfaced through Raúl Jiménez's penalty, awarded after Harry Maguire's foul, before Kevin's exquisite curler seemed to have salvaged a point.
VAR controversy continued when Cuenca saw a potential equaliser disallowed for offside, with the video evidence appearing inconclusive. Marco Silva's side will feel harshly treated, having shown significant improvement after the interval and threatening United's dominance through Alex Iwobi's clever chip and Joachim Andersen's efforts.
Carrick's Influence and United's Resurgence
The victory extends United's positive momentum under Carrick, whose calm persona has breathed new confidence into a squad that appeared directionless before Ruben Amorim's dismissal. United displayed a fluidity and ease of play rarely seen in recent seasons, with Kobbie Mainoo's intelligent distribution and Amad Diallo's direct running causing constant problems.
Fernandes orchestrated proceedings with characteristic authority, his backheel to Diallo epitomising the nonchalant quality that characterised United's first-half dominance. The Portuguese captain's leadership proved crucial in guiding his team through Fulham's second-half resurgence to secure a vital three points.
Broader Context and Fan Sentiment
Fulham arrived at Old Trafford having lost just once in all competitions since mid-December, a run featuring five league victories. Silva's tactical adjustment, introducing Samuel Chukwueze for Kevin, initially paid dividends as the visitors improved markedly after the interval.
Off the pitch, the 1958 fan group staged its latest protest against United's ownership, with approximately 500 supporters marching to voice discontent with both the Glazer family and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The dramatic victory provided temporary respite from ongoing boardroom concerns, though underlying tensions remain.
United's triumph lifts them further from relegation concerns and reinforces Carrick's credentials as he seeks to secure the managerial position permanently. For Sesko, his match-winning contribution represents a career-defining moment that will live long in the memory of United supporters worldwide.
