Super Eagles trio Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey were all involved as Manchester United edged Fulham 3-2 in a thrilling English Premier League fixture at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United took an early lead in the 19th minute when Casemiro powered home a header from a Bruno Fernandes delivery. The Red Devils then doubled their advantage in the 56th minute through Matheus Cunha’s powerful finish from a Casemiro pass.
Fulham fought back late in the game, with Raúl Jiménez converting a penalty in the 85th minute to make it 2-1 before Kevin struck a stunning equaliser in the 91st minute to level.
However, substitute Benjamin Sesko stole the points deep into stoppage time, drilling a winner in the 94th minute to secure Man United’s third successive victory under interim boss Michael Carrick.
Iwobi started in midfield for Fulham and played his 17th game of the season, while Chukwueze featured on the wing. Bassey came off the bench in the 86th minute to help steadier the defence.
Editorial
In the English Premier League, few spectacles rival the drama of a late-winner at Old Trafford and Sunday’s 3-2 Manchester United victory over Fulham was quintessential Premier League theatre. It was a game that had everything ebbing momentum, tactical nuance, individual flairs and, of course, the indomitable spirit of late resurgence.
For Manchester United, the match was another chapter in their compelling revival under interim manager Michael Carrick. Two goals in the first hour through Casemiro and Matheus Cunha seemed to set them on a comfortable path. Yet football at this level has a way of reminding even the most composed teams that control can be fragile, and leads can be ephemeral.
Fulham’s response epitomised this truth. Neither of the Nigerian trio Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze nor Calvin Bassey found their names on the scoresheet, yet all contributed to the narrative of a fightback that nearly rewrote the result. Iwobi marshalled the midfield with his usual blend of composure and perceptiveness, while Chukwueze’s direct running kept United’s defence honest. Bassey, introduced late, added a calming presence at the back as Fulham searched for an equaliser.
The late drama as Kevin thundered home a stunning equaliser only for Sesko to silence the Theatre of Dreams with a stoppage-time winner was the sort of moment that defines seasons. It underlined why the Premier League remains a spectacle of fine margins and why players like those from the Super Eagles, plying their trade abroad, are tested and honed in such crucibles.
For Fulham, the defeat will hurt. But the fight they showed their refusal to fold even when trailing speaks to a collective resilience that underpins every club with genuine top-flight ambition.
Did You Know?
- Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze both starred in a different 5–4 Fulham thriller earlier this season, with Iwobi scoring a spectacular goal and Chukwueze netting a brace a rare high-scoring match in Premier League history.
- Calvin Bassey scored his first Premier League goal in a 3-2 win against Burnley earlier this season, showcasing his aerial threat from defence.
- Benjamin Sesko’s winner continued Manchester United’s finest run under Carrick, marking three straight wins at a club seeking stability this season.
- A stoppage-time winner like Sesko’s mirrors the famed “Fergie Time” tradition of late United goals under past eras.
- Match officials overturned a penalty before the final drama and also disallowed a Fulham goal earlier, contributing to the chaotic ebb and flow of this memorable encounter.
