Manchester United clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford, with Benjamin Šeško's late strike sealing the outcome in a pulsating Premier League encounter. The match, overseen by referee John Brooks, saw United capitalize on key moments to edge past a resilient Fulham side.
Casemiro Sets the Tone
The hosts opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Casemiro, assisted by Bruno Fernandes, found the back of the net. Fulham's M. Silva picked up a yellow card just a minute later, reflecting the visitors' early struggles to contain United's midfield dominance.
Fulham Fight Back
Manchester United extended their lead in the 56th minute through Matheus Cunha, with Casemiro again playing a pivotal role in setting up the goal. However, Fulham responded when Raúl Jiménez converted a penalty in the 85th minute, setting up a nervy finish. Kevin's 90th-minute goal appeared to salvage a draw for Fulham, but Šeško's decisive strike just minutes later restored United's lead.
Tactical Adjustments and Key Performers
Both teams operated in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with United's ability to convert their chances proving crucial. Despite Fulham enjoying 58% possession and completing 90% of their passes, United's defense, led by Harry Maguire with 11 duels won, stood firm. Fulham's Timothy Castagne was notable for his defensive contributions, tallying 14 duels and 4 interceptions.
Looking Ahead
This victory marks a positive shift for Manchester United, who had been inconsistent in recent fixtures. Their form heading into this match had been a mix of draws and a significant win against city rivals. For Fulham, the defeat interrupts a good run, though their spirited performance bodes well for upcoming challenges. United's upcoming fixtures will test their ability to build on this momentum, while Fulham will look to regroup and capitalize on their recent form.