Man Utd 3
Fulham 2
After the high of the Arsenal win and the dramatic late victory, this clash with Fulham at Old Trafford felt like yet another litmus test for United’s burgeoning confidence under Michael Carrick. There was optimism as we walked into the Gozo MUSC Malta branch, but also that familiar sense of caution: could this team really keep delivering?
United came out with the right intensity from the start, and it wasn’t long before the breakthrough arrived. Casemiro powered home a header from a Bruno set-piece in the 19th minute, giving United the lead after the ref’s decision to award us a pen was rightly overturned by VAR.
The second half brought even more promise. Eleven minutes after the break, Cunha doubled the advantage with a strong finish after a clever lay-off from Casemiro. It felt like United were finally asserting themselves consistently in attack — the kind of purpose that has been frustratingly intermittent this season.
But football, especially United football of late, never goes in a straight line. Fulham responded with real spirit late in the second half. Raúl won and converted a penalty in the 85th minute to halve the deficit, and just moments into stoppage time Kevin unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the box to level at 2–2. Suddenly the MUSC in Gozo and all the United supporters watching held their breath, memories of slippery leads and dropped points rushing back.
Yet this match had one more chapter still to be written. In the 94th minute, Sesko, who had hit the woodwork at 2-1 up just after coming on, turned and hit home the winner after a brilliant cross from Bruno to restore United’s lead. OT erupted, and we were literally jumping up and down in Victoria!
For us supporters, this was another step forward — one that still saw our side tested by a good Fulham side, we got pegged back, and ultimately forced to go looking for a late winner – once again. It didn’t feel comfortable, and it shouldn’t have; that’s the story of this season. But three wins in a row now, with performances that show real character and attacking verve, give us something positive to think about. We are in the top 4 and a few weeks ago this did not seem remotely possible…Numquam Moribimur!