Manchester United went from 2-0 up to 2-2 and eventually secured a dramatic three points through Benjamin Sesko in stoppage time
16:59, 02 Feb 2026
Manchester United celebrate as they beat Fulham 3-2 at Old Trafford(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Manchester United picked up one of their trademark ‘Fergie Time’ three points on Sunday thanks to a dramatic late strike from Benjamin Sesko in front of the Stretford End. It is arguably the best way to win a game but, in truth, it should never have come to that vs Fulham.
Casemiro’s header and Matheus Cunha’s strike either side of half time had put United in a strong position going into the final stages of the game. But as the game entered the final 10 minutes, the Old Trafford faithful went on a rollercoaster of emotions.
With this in mind, MEN Sport has rewatched that crazy final 20 minutes back and taken a look at seven things which happened that turned United’s players from heroes to zeroes and back again.
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United dropping deep
The warning signs of what was to come were there as we entered the final 10 minutes of normal time. United were dropping deeper looking to defend the lead they had managed to build in the previous 79 minutes by playing on the front foot. This change in style meant a new role for Bryan Mbeumo who dropped into the defensive line as Fulham looked to break United down.
Lack of focal point
When United did finally get the ball back, they were lacking a focal point at the top end of the pitch. In a bid to search for the ball, Sesko was dropping deeper for the Reds. This prevented Michael Carrick’s side having an outlet and allowed Fulham to restart their attacks from the back. It was relentless and was only going to end one way.
Avoidable mistake for the penalty
Harry Maguire’s challenge on Raul Jimenez was desperate as he launched himself in front of the ball to try and block the Mexican international from shooting. However, the Reds were caught out too easily moments before.
Manuel Ugarte stepped out to try and win possession but did not do nearly enough and from there United were on the back foot. As the pass came through to Jimenez, Maguire could do little but chuck his body on the line to try and block the shot.
Harry Maguire concedes a penalty during Manchester United’s victory over Fulham
No press
With Fulham grabbing a goal back, there was plenty of tension inside Old Trafford and United did little to ease the fans’ concerns. Bruno Fernandes was attempting to lead a more positive, out-of-possession tactic by pressing Fulham’s defence in their own half.
However, his pleas to his teammates to step up fell on deaf ears with United dropping deeper in on themselves to try and hold on. This also meant a return to a familiar formation…
Return of the three
In United’s attempt to hold onto the three points, Carrick’s side moved to a back three. There were differences to the system which was ultimately Ruben Amorim’s downfall though. Noussair Mazraoui replaced Diogo Dalot to play right wing-back, Maguire moved to right centre-back instead of playing down the middle and Mbeumo settled into the left wing-back role.
Trio of errors for 2-2
Nine minutes were added on at the end of the second half thanks to a lengthy VAR check but Fulham needed just one of those to level things up. Unfortunately for the Reds, there were a trio of errors which led to Kevin’s wonder goal.
Amad and Mazraoui did not cover themselves in glory as Kevin easily jinked past the former before playing a one-two with Ryan Sessegnon which should have been cut out by the Moroccan. Then, Ugarte did not sense the danger and was too slow to close down Sessegnon as he laid it off for the winger to curl home.
Kevin strikes for Fulham as they equalise vs Manchester United
There was nothing Senne Lammens could do to stop the shot but plenty the three players in front of him could have.
Flipped the switch
With parity restored, a switch flipped in the United side and suddenly the hosts played with the intensity which gave them the two-goal lead in the first place. It was noticeable how much further forward Kobbie Mainoo and Ugarte were as United searched for a quick response.
That being said, it was still a moment of magic from Fernandes who produced a brilliant dummy to deceive Calvin Bassey and lay the ball across for Sesko to fire home the winner.
The overwhelming feeling was relief but the performance in the last 20 minutes will be a warning for Carrick. The Reds cannot afford to rest on their laurels, sit in and hope to see out the game. Next time, United may not be so lucky.
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