Manchester United edge Fulham 3-2 as Benjamin Šeško seals Carrick’s perfect start

Michael Carrick’s stunning start as Manchester United head coach continued in dramatic fashion as Benjamin Šeško fired home a stoppage-time winner to sink Fulham 3-2 at Old Trafford.

The late chaos capped a pulsating Premier League contest and extended Carrick’s 100 per cent record since taking charge, following statement victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.

Substitute Benjamin Šeško emerged as the unlikely hero, keeping his composure deep into stoppage time before blasting past Bernd Leno to send the Stretford End into delirium.

Earlier goals from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha had put United in control, only for Fulham to roar back late on through Raúl Jiménez and substitute Kevin.

Carrick has quickly transformed the mood at Manchester United, reinvigorating a squad that faltered under Ruben Amorim. This win — perhaps the toughest test yet — showcased not just attacking quality, but resilience.

United were dominant early. Leno denied Amad Diallo, while Senne Lammens made key interventions at the other end to keep Fulham at bay.

Casemiro opened the scoring in the 19th minute, powering home a header from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick after VAR overturned a penalty decision that had initially favoured Fulham.

United doubled their lead shortly after the restart in style. Casemiro’s no-look pass released Cunha, who smashed a stunning finish into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

But Carrick’s side could not fully shut the door. Maguire conceded a late penalty, calmly converted by Jiménez, before Fulham thought they had snatched a point when Kevin curled in a sensational equaliser during stoppage time.

Moments later, however, Fernandes slipped in Šeško — and the summer signing delivered the final blow.

The win lifts United into fourth place and strengthens belief that Carrick’s interim spell could yet become something more permanent. The reaction of the players — and the stadium — suggested a side rediscovering confidence and identity.

Fulham, led by Marco Silva, were furious with several officiating decisions but could have few complaints about United’s refusal to settle for a draw.

Carrick’s side now face a crucial run of fixtures that will test their Champions League credentials. If momentum continues, pressure will mount on the club hierarchy to reconsider the “interim” label.

Is Michael Carrick changing Manchester United’s season — or just enjoying a new-manager bounce?