Sesko strikes late to send United fourth
Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to clinch a third straight win for the reds and keep up their European charge. It appeared that they had let it slip after giving up a two-goal lead at the end. The Slovenian had the last laugh to claim all three points though.
It was a massive disappointment for the visitors after fighting back to draw themselves level. Raul Jimenez and Kevin, with a stunner, had given them hopes of coming away with a result. It was not to be however.
Michael Carrick was forced into making one change from the side who beat Arsenal last weekend. Patrick Dorgu’s injury in that game means he will be out for at least a few weeks. Matheus Cunha came back in hoping to build on his goal last weekend. Mason Mount picked up a knock in training also. Joshua Zirkzee and Shea Lacey both came back into the matchday squad.
Just the one change for Fulham also as Samuel Chukwueze replaced Kevin from their win over Brighton last Saturday.
The game pre-empted by a protest by the 1958 group against the continuing ownership of the club by the Glazer’s. Ticket prices, restriction on season tickets and uncertainty over the future of Old Trafford were also behind it. Those arriving late may have missed a bright start from both sides. Amad Diallo tested Bernd Leno with a curling shot and Joachim Anderson had an effort deflected wide.
It was the home side who were to open the scoring after 19 minutes. The referee initially awarded a penalty after Jorge Cuenca brought down Matheus Cunha. It was instead given as a free-kick just outside the area. Bruno Fernandes floated it to the back-post where Casemiro rose highest to head past Leno. Marco Silva was booked for complaining to the fourth official in the aftermath.
The reds created chances for Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo as they looked to get a firm grip on the game. The best chance came to Alex Iwobi at the other end but Senne Lammens was equal to it.
The pace of the encounter had dropped as the half went on and neither sides were able to add to the one goal at the break.
Fulham began brightly in the second-half and Lisandro Martinez was forced into some desperate defending to clear after a cross from Samuel Chukwueze. Harry Wilson also had an effort that forced Lammens into a save.
It was the home side who would score once more though on 56 minutes. Again Casemiro was at the heart of it. He received a pass from Kobee Mainoo deep in the Fulham half before a one touch pass into the path of Cunha. The match-winner last week smashed a shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle. He immediately celebrated with his countryman who is due to leave at the end of the season.
Fulham thought they had a goal back after 65 minutes. Jimenez saw his free-kick hit the wall and Chukwueze’s deflected effort fall to Cuenca. He tapped home but VAR adjudged that there was an offside in the build-up.
Cunha saw a chip from the edge of the area go just over as Utd kept up the pressure. He was replaced by Benjamin Sesko shortly after. He almost had an immediate impact. Diallo swung over a dangerous cross which he got his head to. It came back off the post though.
All of a sudden Fulham got a lifeline. Sander Berge played a diagonal ball for Jimenez to run onto. Harry Maguire slid in on the striker and a penalty was given. The Mexican stepped up himself to slam it into the top of the net.
The announcement of nine minutes injury time was not greeted with too much enthusiasm by the home fans. Their fears were realised a minute into it. Substitute Kevin played a one two with Ryan Sessegnon before curling a superb effort into the top corner from the edge of the area.
That was not the end of the drama though. Three minutes later the ball was played out to Fernandes who spun his marker before haring down the wing. He put a low cross into the area to Sesko. He was afforded too much space by Anderson but his turn and shot into the top corner was excellent.
Try as they might, Fulham could not find another response. Delight again at the end as they regain fourth spot and within five points of Villa. It is more home action next weekend as they face Tottenham at 12:30 on Saturday. Fulham host Everton at the Cottage.
Manchester United: Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot (Noussair Mazraoui 86), Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Carlos Casemiro (Manuel Ugarte 73), Kobee Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Patrick Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha (Benjamin Sesko 73), Bryan Mbeumo (Leny Yoro 90+6).
Subs not used: Altay Bayinder, Joshua Zirkzee, Tyrell Malacia, Ayden Heaven, Shea Lacey.
Booked: Casemiro (64), Harry Maguire (83)
Sent off:
Fulham: Bernd Leno, Timothy Castagne, Joachim Anderson, Jorge Cuenca (Calvin Bassey 86), Antonee Robinson (Kevin 72), Alex Iwobi, Sander Berge, Samuel Chukwueze (Tom Cairney 78), Harry Wilson, Emile Smith Rowe (Ryan Sessegnon 72), Raul Jimenez
Subs not used: Benjamin Lecomte, Kenny Tete, , Harrison Reed, Jonah Kusi-Asare, Joshua King, .
Booked: Marco Silva (20), Joachim Anderson (42)
Sent off: None
Referee: John Brooks
Attendance:
Simply Red Man of the Match: Casemiro
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