3-2 Chaos at Old Trafford: A Late Winner and The Possession Problem
So, here we are again. This was a massive game for us. After picking up huge wins away at Manchester City and Arsenal, we welcomed Fulham to Old Trafford. On paper, you expect us to win that easily, but this is football. The big question for me was how Michael Carrick would handle a team that doesn’t want the ball. Under Amorim, we’ve looked better when we don’t have possession and can play on the counter. But against a club like Fulham? We had to be the ones in control.
A Slow Start and VAR Drama
The game started very slowly. To be honest, our defending looked a bit loose. We weren’t marking properly and we left way too much space. Fulham actually got the first big chance, and Lammens had to use his quick reflexes to save us. I genuinely believe if Onana was in goal, we might have conceded there. Lammens has looked very sharp.
Then we had the drama at the 15-minute mark. Cunha drove forward and went down to try and get a penalty. It looked very soft. The ref gave it at first, but VAR stepped in and changed it to a free-kick outside the box. For me, it shouldn’t have even been a foul. It was weak. But we took the gift anyway. Bruno Fernandes whipped in a great ball and Casemiro headed it in. 1-0.
The Possession Worry
Even though we were leading, I wasn’t happy. After twenty minutes, nothing was really happening. We had less than 50% possession, and by halftime, it was only 48%. That doesn’t give me much confidence. We are playing at home; we should be controlling the game against Fulham, not letting them dictate things.
The Second Half Rollercoaster
The second half started sloppy. Dalot played a ball that gave Mbeumo a chance, quickly after that, Lammens had to save us again. I was really worried about Wilson for Fulham because he’s been their main man this season. Our plan should have been to shut him down completely.
But then, we saw a moment of magic. Around the 50th minute, we actually started playing a bit better. Cunha scored a banger from a really tough angle. Casemiro got the assist for that one, too. To be honest, Casemiro has been class this season. I’m glad he’s still with us.
The Collapse
At 2-0, it should be game over. But Fulham scored ten minutes later. A Raul Jimenez free-kick hit the wall, fell to Chukwueze, Martinez blocked the shot, and it stumbled to a Fulham player who tapped it in.
Panic set in. VAR checked it for offside. It took three or four minutes, but finally, it was ruled out. Still 2-0.
I really wanted a clean sheet. This was personal for me. I am going to Manchester for the last time for a while because I am leaving the UK next week. It is quite emotional knowing I won’t see United for some time. These times seeing United play were a dream for me as a kid. I wanted to leave on a high.
But we made it hard.
From the 55th to 75th minute, we had more intent, but possession was still low. Sesko came on late and immediately hit the post with a header. He needs to start these games where we expect to dominate.
Then, the mistake. Maguire mistimed a sliding tackle after a good span of defending. Penalty. Jimenez stepped up and smashed it top left. 2-1.
The Crazy Finish
Fulham started dominating the ball again. We had a back six defending. It was risky. The ref gave 9 minutes of added time. 9 minutes!
Then, disaster. Their substitute, Kevin, scored a crazy goal from outside the box. A total banger. You can’t save that. 2-2. Marco Silva clearly had a better tactical setup than us today. They played better football.
But we are United.
Deep in stoppage time, Bruno ran down the wing. Bassey tried to stop him, but Bruno somehow put a cross in. Sesko took a touch it looked like a bad touch at first but he knew exactly where the net was. Amazing finish. 3-2!
The Verdict
The ref finally blew the whistle after two extra minutes on top of the nine. We take the 3 points.
But I expect way more from Carrick if he wants this job permanently. He needs to show he can dominate possession against “weaker” teams with cheaper squads. Ending with 42% possession against Fulham is too low. Our midfield is slow with an old Casemiro and Mainoo, but I’d like to see more control.
We got the win, at the end that’s what matters. Now we get ready for Spurs, buzzing as I will be present for that game!
UNITED SCRIPTED. 
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