Benjamin Sesko scored a dramatic 94th-minute winner as Manchester United held off a spirited Fulham fightback to secure a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford, propelling the Red Devils back into the Premier League’s top four.

The home side started brightly, with Amad Diallo’s shot and a Harry Maguire header both saved, while Bryan Mbeumo was denied by Jorge Cuenca in Fulham’s early attacks. Fulham, in fine form themselves, tested United goalkeeper Senne Lammens with Joachim Andersen’s effort and saw Samuel Chukwueze’s shot blocked by Lisandro Martínez.

United took the lead in the 20th minute after some uncertainty over a potential penalty. Cuenca was initially judged to have fouled Matheus Cunha, but when a free-kick was awarded, Casemiro rose to head home Bruno Fernandes’ delivery.

Despite taking the lead, United had to stay alert as Fulham looked dangerous. Alex Iwobi fired a long-range strike that Lammens saved, and Sander Berge deflected Amad’s shot behind just before halftime.

The Red Devils doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when Casemiro threaded a precise pass to Cunha, who smashed the ball past Bernd Leno. Fulham thought they had pulled one back from a Raul Jimenez free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside on Chukwueze. Sesko, introduced as Cunha’s replacement, came close with a header that rattled the post.

Fulham then staged a late comeback. Harry Maguire conceded a penalty that Jimenez converted, before Kevin Sessegnon appeared to level the scores in the 92nd minute with a superb curling finish following a one-two.

Old Trafford erupted moments later as Sesko delivered the decisive blow. Collecting Fernandes’ pass, the young striker found the top corner to secure United’s third consecutive league win and a return to fourth place, while handing Fulham their second defeat in three Premier League matches.