Benjamin Sesko emerged from the substitutes’ bench to rescue Manchester United with a dramatic injury-time winner after the Red Devils had surrendered a commanding two-goal advantage against Fulham. A pair of stunning strikes from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, either side of the interval, put United 2-0 ahead in what appeared to be a comfortable afternoon’s work at Old Trafford, until a spirited Fulham comeback changed the complexion of the match.

Raul Jimenez converted from the spot to reduce the deficit before Kevin’s superb curling effort into the top corner looked to have secured a point for the visitors in stoppage time, only for Sesko to have the final say. Following an impressive opening to his tenure, Michael Carrick faced the challenge of demonstrating his ability to prepare and inspire his United squad for a contrasting assignment to the intensity and rivalry of fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Fulham’s visit forced Carrick into his maiden alteration to the starting XI after Patrick Dorgu sustained a hamstring problem in the closing stages of his magnificent performance against Arsenal. Cunha earned his place in the side following his impressive contributions as a substitute against both City and Arsenal.

Carrick had retained an unchanged lineup for last Sunday’s trip to north London after the derby triumph. By contrast, it took Ruben Amorim 37 matches to field an unaltered team during his spell in charge.

The match also saw United’s midfield pairing of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo start their third successive fixture together. Whilst the latter has flourished since Amorim lifted the restrictions on him, the former’s impending departure leaves United facing a significant gap to fill this summer after it was confirmed the Brazilian veteran will depart when his contract expires.

Less than 12 months ago, Casemiro appeared to be a considerable concern for United, but his revitalised displays this season have continued, with the midfielder rising above Jorge Cuenca to nod home the only goal of the first half.

Cuenca believed he had escaped punishment in the build-up when the initial penalty decision, awarded after he felled Cunha in the area, was reversed following the defender winning the ball. However, the ruling was changed to a free-kick as the original contact constituted a foul.

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Whilst he and Fulham breathed a collective sigh of relief, Bruno Fernandes chipped the free-kick towards the far post, where Casemiro climbed highest.

After the interval, the 33-year-old demonstrated his quality once more as his no-look pass sliced the ball through for Cunha to race onto and hammer an effort into the roof of the net, doubling United’s lead. United seemed on course for a third consecutive victory under Carrick’s stewardship, but Cuenca had other ideas, netting a scrappy close-range goal to seemingly cut the deficit.

However, after an extensive VAR review, Samuel Chukwueze was deemed offside in the lead-up.

Casemiro made way for Manuel Ugarte to a thunderous ovation from the United fans. With United then appearing one man short in midfield, Casemiro’s absence will be keenly felt given his current form.

Carrick may have to place his faith in Ugarte or young Jack Fletcher for the rest of the season to test whether they can step up.

Such is the club’s reliance on a player set to leave at the end of the season, Carrick cannot be without the veteran midfielder. It is a long-term issue that could be addressed on deadline day or in the summer.

But if United cannot solve their dependency on Casemiro, they, and potentially Carrick by proxy, will pay the price.

The midfield conundrum became even more glaring when Sander Berge was afforded the freedom of Old Trafford to thread a pass through to Raul Jimenez. The Mexican striker’s shot was saved by Senne Lammens, but he was taken out by Harry Maguire in the process.

Jimenez converted the resulting penalty, setting up a tense final five minutes.

Fulham ramped up the pressure on the shaken hosts and Kevin seemed to land the decisive blow with his first league goal in the 92nd minute, curling a stunning effort into the far top corner from the edge of the box.

United appeared to have squandered another opportunity to break into the top four, but Sesko came off the bench to curl an unstoppable strike into the top corner just minutes later, saving the day.