Manchester United survived a late Fulham fightback to secure a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford, maintaining their perfect start under interim manager Michael Carrick. The win moves United up to fourth in the Premier League, while Fulham remain in the top half despite the defeat.
United took the lead through a Casemiro free-kick after an early penalty was disallowed following a VAR review. Matheus Cunha doubled the advantage in the second half, and the hosts appeared to be cruising. However, Fulham were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute when Harry Maguire fouled Raul Jimenez, who converted from the spot.
Substitute Kevin then scored a stunning equaliser in stoppage time, only for fellow substitute Benjamin Sesko to head home the winner moments later. United clung on through the remaining injury time to claim all three points.
Fulham manager Marco Silva was critical of the officiating, describing the decision to award United's free-kick as 'horrendous'. He told Sky Sports: 'The story of the game started with a horrendous terrible decision from John Brooks with the penalty he gave [United].' Silva, who received his fifth yellow card of the season for protesting, declined to elaborate further, saying: 'I don't want to get more cards.'
United's match-winner Sesko paid tribute to Casemiro, saying: 'He is an unbelievable player, a legend. It is nice to play with him and it is also nice to listen to his advice.' The Slovenian added: 'Scoring at home and scoring the winner is unbelievable. I've been dreaming about that.'
Fulham's Emile Smith Rowe expressed frustration at the result, telling Sky Sports: 'Really frustrating. I thought the boys fought really hard today to get back into the game. It's a bit annoying to concede straight after equalising.'
