In a Premier League encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, Manchester United hosted Fulham at Old Trafford on February 1, 2026. Under the interim management of Michael Carrick, the Red Devils aimed to extend their winning streak following impressive victories over Arsenal and Manchester City. What unfolded was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with stunning goals, controversial decisions, and last-minute heroics that epitomized the drama of English football.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
The match kicked off amid a backdrop of protests outside the stadium against the club's ownership, but once the whistle blew, the focus shifted to the pitch. Manchester United started brightly, with early chances falling to Amad Diallo and Harry Maguire, both denied by Fulham's goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Fulham responded with a header from Joachim Andersen, saved by United's Senne Lammens.
The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when a VAR-overturned decision led to a free-kick. Bruno Fernandes delivered a precise ball, and Casemiro powered home a header to give United the lead. Fulham boss Marco Silva was incensed by the call, but it stood, and United went into halftime with a slender advantage.
Second-Half Fireworks
After the restart, United doubled their lead in the 56th minute. Casemiro, playing a starring role, provided a no-look pass to Matheus Cunha, who smashed a first-time shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle. Old Trafford erupted, and it seemed like the hosts were cruising.
However, Fulham refused to go down without a fight. A lengthy VAR check disallowed a potential goal for the visitors due to an offside call on Samuel Chukwueze. United substitute Benjamin Sesko, introduced in the 74th minute, nearly added a third but saw his header hit the post.
The drama intensified in the closing stages. In the 85th minute, Harry Maguire's challenge on Raúl Jiménez earned a yellow card and a penalty for Fulham. Jiménez coolly slotted it into the top corner to pull one back. Then, in the 90+1st minute, substitute Kevin darted in from the left, collected a return pass, and bent a brilliant shot into the net to level the scores. Pandemonium ensued as nine minutes of stoppage time were added.
Last-Gasp Hero Seals the Deal
Just when it looked like United would drop points, the magic happened in the 90+4th minute. Fernandes found Sesko, who took a touch and unleashed a thunderous strike past Leno to restore the lead. The Stretford End went wild as Sesko's goal secured a 3-2 victory, propelling United to fourth in the Premier League with 41 points.
Sesko, the summer signing, was hailed as a "big talent" by Carrick post-match, who praised the team's resilience. This win marked Carrick's third in a row, lifting the mood at the club after Ruben Amorim's departure.
Player Ratings and Standout Performances
- Casemiro (9/10): Goal, assist, and midfield mastery – the Brazilian was everywhere.
- Matheus Cunha (8/10): Clinical finish and constant threat before being subbed to applause.
- Benjamin Sesko (8/10): The hero off the bench with the decisive goal.
- Bruno Fernandes (8/10): Key assists and leadership throughout.
- Senne Lammens (7/10): Solid saves kept United in it during Fulham's late surge.
For Fulham, Jiménez and Kevin shone in their comeback attempt, but it wasn't enough as they slipped to eighth place.
Final Thoughts
This match was a testament to the unpredictability of the Premier League, with Manchester United showing grit to snatch victory from the jaws of a draw. Carrick's revival continues, and with performances like this, the Red Devils could be back in the top-four hunt for good. Fulham, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities but can hold their heads high after a valiant effort.