Manchester United legend Gary Neville has singled out two of the club's summer signings for special praise following a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford, a result he believes represents "another test" successfully navigated by caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
Late Drama Secures Crucial Three Points
The Red Devils appeared destined to squander a two-goal advantage and drop vital points in their pursuit of Champions League qualification, only for summer signing Benjamin Sesko to score a sensational winner with virtually the last kick of the game. This thrilling conclusion extended United's perfect record under Carrick, who has now overseen victories against title favourites Arsenal, arch-rivals Manchester City, and a resilient Fulham side.
Neville admitted that conceding a late equaliser would have been "devastating" for United, given their earlier dominance. The team had established control through goals from Casemiro and fellow summer recruit Matheus Cunha, only for Raul Jimenez to convert an 85th-minute penalty for Fulham. Marco Silva's side then seemed to have snatched an unlikely point when Kevin scored an injury-time leveller, setting the stage for Sesko's dramatic intervention.
Neville's Verdict on United's New Recruits
Speaking on his podcast, Neville expressed particular delight for Sesko, whose £74 million move from RB Leipzig has yet to fully ignite. "If you asked any United fan or coach who you wanted to score it would have been Benjamin Sesko because he's had a really difficult time since coming to the club," Neville stated. He described the striker's moment of euphoria as potentially transformative, noting his powerful strike and the significance of scoring a winning goal at the Stretford End.
Beyond Sesko, Neville was effusive in his praise for two other summer arrivals. "Mbeumo and Cunha have just looked like Manchester United players straightaway, the way they take the ball and attack defenders," he insisted, highlighting their immediate adaptation to the demands of one of the world's biggest clubs. This seamless integration, Neville suggested, is a hallmark of successful recruitment.
Carrick's Steadying Influence and Top-Four Battle
The former right-back also reflected on the symbolic nature of the late winner, describing it as "very United-like" and reminiscent of the club's glory years under Sir Alex Ferguson. He framed the match against a team lower in the league as "another type of test" for both the squad and Carrick, who will "have some work to do" but for whom this represents "a very important day."
The victory holds significant weight in the congested race for the top four. Manchester United now sit one point clear of fifth-placed Chelsea and two points above struggling reigning champions Liverpool. Neville emphasised the need for consistency, stating, "They need to be pretty consistent now to get the top-four. United look like they're in a good place."
Attention now turns to a crucial Saturday fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. The last meeting between these sides in November ended in a 2-2 draw, courtesy of a 96th-minute equaliser from Matthijs de Ligt. While United chase Champions League football, Spurs languish in 14th place, albeit nine points above the relegation zone, having recently held Manchester City to a draw.
This dramatic win, therefore, not only provides a vital three points but also offers a potential springboard for Sesko's United career and further validates the impact of the club's recent transfer business under the steady guidance of Michael Carrick.
