Manchester United secured a late three points as Benjamin Šeško’s winning goal secured a 3-2 win over Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Carrick chose to start Matheus Cunha as Manchester United welcomed Fulham to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
The tie started with Amad and Harry Maguire denied early efforts, with Senne Lammens also having to make a good reaction save to deny the visitors. Just before 20 minutes, United then had their lead as Casemiro met Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick at the back post with a lovely header.
With United heading into the half with a 1-0 lead, it was Fulham who brought the fire after the break, but a stunning strike from Cunha handed the home side a two-goal cushion. However, Raúl Jiménez then won and converted a penalty, while Kevin’s stunning strike in added time made the game 2-2.
When the game felt heading to a draw, an absolutely blinding strike from substitute Benjamin Šeško secured all three points right at the death to clinch Carrick’s third win in three at the club and continued their place in the top four league spots.
#1 – The players trust each other much more
What has been immediately noticeable so far under Carrick is that United play much more of their football on the ground, and that it’s largely one- and two-touch play.
Under Rúben Amorim, United’s players looked a little anxious to play together, but against Fulham, there were plenty of combinations, speed, and consistency in their intra-team play.
In the second half, despite Fulham’s goals, their cohesion remained. The defence trusted the attack to score a winner, and the attack trusted the defence to see out the game.
#2 – Casemiro’s farewell tour continues
Since it was announced that Casemiro would be leaving United once his contract expires at the end of the season, the Brazilian has been putting on performances that remind everyone of why he is a five-time Champions League winner.
Even aside from his goal against Fulham, the 33-year-old was eating up ground and marshalling the midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo like he was in his prime.
In the second half, his assist for Cunha’s goal was the icing on the cake, with a lovely weighted pass finished off by his compatriot. If United finish in Champions League places, he will have a lot to do with it.
#3 – United switched well when Šeško came on
With around 15 minutes to play, Carrick chose to take off Cunha and bring on Benjamin Šeško, who offered a completely different style of player up front.
What the club too often failed to do under Amorim during attacking changes was adapt their style to the introductions, but against Fulham, they switched to a more direct, ball-in-the-air approach to suit the quick, tall striker.
It paid off. Despite conceding two, Carrick looked to keep Šeško high and on the centre-backs, and that was exactly what won the game. Fantastic management from Carrick.
#4 – Fernandes was fantastic at filling spaces
It did not go unnoticed that, while Fernandes played as an attacking midfielder on paper, he was almost flawless at filling in other positions whenever they were vacated.
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If Amad was attacking on the inside, he floated to the wing. If Mbeumo or Šeško dropped deep, he would fill in up front. If Mainoo or Casemiro ventured forward, the captain would drop just ahead of the defensive line to hold the side’s shape.
Fernandes is the perfect blend of someone who knows how good he is, how and when to use it, and when to step back and let others show themselves. A proper captain.
#5 – Lammens continues to grow in goal
Since joining the side, many have commented on how collected and cool Lammens is in goal, but it must also be noted that he is growing and growing as a player.
Compared to his starting displays, he still has his composure and fantastic punching abilities, but what’s improved plenty is his reactions.
On several occasions, the Belgian made some vital reaction saves on top of his usual catches and punches. He is very much growing into his role at Old Trafford, and it’s been a huge part of the team success.
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