Carrick's MU Refuses to Revert to Factory Settings

MANCHESTER, SUNDAY - Manchester United could have easily won against Fulham. However, they chose the hard way, winning with a decisive goal in injury time. The MU squad displayed a winning mentality and exposed long-standing issues with focus and concentration.

MU nearly lost three points that were already in their grasp at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, on Sunday (2/1/2026 WIB). The home team had been leading 2-0 against Fulham since the 56th minute. However, with five minutes remaining in regular time, they conceded two consecutive goals within a span of six minutes. The score was briefly tied at 2-2.

Fortunately, the morale of Bruno Fernandes and his teammates did not collapse after the surprise from the visiting team. Manchester United immediately took the initiative in their attack. They turned the tables just a few minutes later with a goal from substitute player Benjamin Sesko. The goal was initiated by a brilliant movement and pass from Fernandes.

MU concluded the match with a 3-2 victory. "A lot happened today. I realize that Fulham is a good team. I know we had to answer many questions today, and we did that. The boys put in maximum effort and really wanted to win the match," said MU Interim Coach Michael Carrick.

The scenario is almost identical to the first meeting of both teams at Fulham's home ground in August 2025. Manchester United, still coached by Ruben Amorim, took the lead first, only to be equalized by Fulham due to a loss of concentration and intensity. The difference this time is that they still have the energy and capacity to overturn the advantage.

The signal of a decrease in intensity from "The Red Devil" began to be seen after taking a 2-0 lead through a goal by Matheus Cunha in the 56th minute. They spent more time waiting in their own half since then. Indeed, in the ten minutes following the goal, Fulham dominated ball possession with 79.1 percent.

The focus and concentration of the Manchester United players proved insufficient to withstand Fulham's onslaught. Carrick's team conceded in the 70th minute due to a misjudgment on a set-piece. Fortunately, Fulham's goal was disallowed by the video assistant referee for offside.

"A great performance from our team. In the second half, we were the better team. We dominated the game. They wanted to press high, but we did not allow that. This result is hard to accept, but we must come to terms with it," said Fulham Coach Marco Silva.

The first goal for Fulham, from a penalty executed by striker Raul Jimenez, stemmed from a mistake by wing-back Diogo Dalot. The defender was late in returning and closing down space on the flank when Fulham made the transition. The next error was made by center-back Harry Maguire, who brought down Jimenez in the penalty area.

The equalizing goal for Fulham was scored by substitute player Kevin, with a beautiful shot from outside the penalty area. The goal was made possible by Kevin's skillful maneuvering in tight spaces. However, the MU players should have been able to defend better given their numerical advantage in that wing situation.

Carrick needs to be wary of the return of an old United problem. In the first half of the season, under Amorim, they were also often caught out just as they were getting comfortable. According to Opta Analyst data, United is the team with the most league failures after taking the lead (6 times).

Substitute charm

Regardless of that, Carrick is quite fortunate. The coach gained both a lesson and the desired result. MU has successfully won three consecutive matches in the Carrick era. This record is very impressive. Meanwhile, Amorim needed 37 matches to achieve three consecutive victories in the league.

The role of the substitute players is crucial for MU. Carrick was troubled by the injury of winger Patrick Dorgu, who had performed brilliantly in the last two matches. Dorgu was a goal contributor when MU triumphed over Arsenal and Manchester City. They need a replacement.

Forward Matheus Cunha was appointed as a replacement for Dorgu. The result was very satisfying. Cunha was involved in the first two goals of MU. The first goal for MU, from a header by midfielder Casemiro, was created after Cunha was fouled just outside the penalty area. Fernandes took advantage of the free-kick opportunity with an accurate pass to Casemiro.

Cunha successfully doubled MU's lead through individual dribbling and a powerful shot. The role of the Brazilian player is quite intriguing. Although assigned to operate on the left side, he was always found on the right side during the buildup of the two early goals for "The Red Devils."

Cunha was replaced by Sesko in the 74th minute. This substitution was extremely important. Sesko saved MU's face at a critical moment. "Our goal right now is to continue this momentum. We must keep working hard and stay focused at all times. All of this will lead us to a good result," said Sesko. (AP/REUTERS)