The Theatre of Dreams lived up to its name on Sunday evening as Manchester United staged a heart-stopping finale to defeat Fulham 3-2. In a match that swung like a pendulum, it was substitute Benjamin Sesko who delivered the knockout blow deep in stoppage time, extending interim manager Michael Carrick’s perfect start and sending the Stretford End into delirium.

United seemed to be cruising. Casemiro had opened the scoring with a bullet header from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick, a moment of set-piece perfection. Matheus Cunha then doubled the lead, seemingly burying the Cottagers. But Fulham, resilient and dangerous under Marco Silva, refused to read the script. A penalty by Raul Jimenez gave them hope, and when Kevin curled in a stunning equalizer in the 91st minute, Old Trafford fell silent. The points seemed shared.

The Carrick Effect

Enter Benjamin Sesko. The towering striker, introduced to chase the game, found himself on the end of a desperate final attack. With composure that belied the chaos around him, he controlled the ball, shaped his body, and rifled a finish into the top corner. It was a goal of pure instinct, a striker’s finish that snatched victory from the jaws of a draw.

"This is what this club is about," a jubilant Carrick said post-match. "Never giving up. Fighting to the last second." The win moves United back into the top four conversation, a remarkable turnaround given the turmoil of the season's earlier months.

• Tactical Masterclass: Carrick’s substitutions were decisive. By keeping offensive players on even when leading, he ensured United had the firepower to respond to Fulham’s late surge.
• Defensive Worries: Despite the win, the ease with which Fulham carved through United’s midfield in the final 20 minutes will concern the coaching staff. Casemiro’s goal masked a sometimes porous display in the center of the park.

Fulham’s Heartbreak

For Fulham, it was a cruel end to a spirited display. To come from 2-0 down at Old Trafford requires immense character, and to leave with nothing is a bitter pill. Marco Silva was visibly frustrated, feeling his side deserved a point for their bravery. But in the Premier League, margins are razor-thin.

As the final whistle blew, the headlines belonged to Sesko. In a season of ups and downs, his right boot has provided a moment of magic that fans will replay for weeks. United are rolling, and Carrick is at the wheel.