Manchester United secured their third win in three games under Michael Carrick, with Benjamin Sesko coming off the bench to score a late winner in front of the Stretford End.
After emphatic victories over Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games as Manchester United interim manager, Michael Carrick was desperate to continue this form against an in-form Fulham side who travelled to Old Trafford this Sunday.
Marco Silva’s team were under pressure from the first whistle and the deadlock was broken in the 19th minute when Casemiro headed home United’s first. After announcing his end-of-season departure from the club recently, the Brazilian looks keen to sign off in style and has performed brilliantly under Michael Carrick.
The second half was more competitive than the first, but United extended their lead with a fantastic goal from Matheus Cunha. His fellow Brazilian, Casemiro, was involved again, setting up Cunha with a clever no-look pass which was expertly finished by United’s number 10.
The three points looked certain for Carrick’s side until the 85th minute when Fulham striker Raul Jimenez pulled one back for the Cottagers from the penalty spot after a late challenge from Harry Maguire. Then, United’s lead was wiped away when Kevin spectacularly equalised in the 91st minute, beating Senne Lammens with an impressive long-range strike.
However, Carrick’s side rolled back the years and attacked the Stretford End in injury time. Another world class display from Bruno Fernandes was capped off with a wonderful assist for super-sub Benjamin Sesko, who fired United back into the top 4 in the 94th minute.
Sesko scores again!
Life in Manchester has not been so easy for Sesko so far, and the Slovenian has found himself on the bench in all three of Carrick’s first games in charge. Bryan Mbuemo has led the line with Amad and Patrick Dorgu on either side of him, but it was Cunha who was chosen to replace the injured Dorgu against Fulham.
Sesko has struggled for consistency but has still managed to find the back of the net on 5 occasions in the Premier League this season. Sunday’s late winner could be the most important as of yet, and in such circumstances, it didn’t look like a forward short of confidence.
The goal was assisted by Bruno Fernandes, who found his teammate after he eased past Fulham’s Calvin Bassey with a well-timed dummy from Noussair Mazraoui’s pass. Sesko found himself with time and space in the Fulham penalty area and kept his composure to instantly retake the lead for United.
Sesko has shown signs of real potential despite his struggles this season, for example, with a brace against Burnley and a few late goals at Old Trafford in both the Premier League and FA Cup. The £66 million price tag will weigh heavily on the former RB Leipzig striker, but United could have a superstar on their hands for a number of years.
Carrick’s substitutions changing the game
In Manchester United’s first 22 Premier League games this season, a total of zero goals had been scored by substitutes. In the last two matches, Matheus Cunha’s winner at the Emirates and Sesko’s winner against Fulham have brought the total up to two.
Carrick’s start at United could not have gone much better. United now sit in 4th place, with three wins in a row and only the league to focus on. Matches against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham await the Red Devils but confidence is high and the mood around the club is suddenly very optimistic.
Read more: Casemiro sends three-word message to ‘terrific’ Man Utd teammate after Fulham win
The players have clearly responded very well to the new coaching staff and the team looks much freer in a more familiar shape. Carrick has shown flexibility and bravery during his first three games and is already making a strong case for being considered for the permanent position in the summer.
One of the most notable differences has been his use of substitutions in key moments and their impact on the games. Cunha changed the game against Arsenal and brought United more energy late on in the game, scoring a brilliant goal to sink the Gunners at their home ground.
Similarly, Sesko has reacted brilliantly to being rotated out of the starting side, showing a great attitude and more confidence when coming off the bench.
His goal on Sunday was well-taken and showed another example of what Manchester United has always been. Carrick’s side have been entertaining and relentless, and the interim manager’s willingness to make changes paid off again against Fulham.
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