United spent most of the afternoon looking like a team that knows what it is doing. The press was sharp, the midfield compact, and Fulham found little joy between the lines. Two goals felt like a fair reflection of the control exerted, even if the chances had been few.

Then the final minutes arrived, and the old chaos briefly returned. A penalty, a wonderful strike, and suddenly a stroll became a scramble. But this time, United had an answer. Sesko's strike was not luck; it was a player ready for the moment, evidence of a squad with options and belief.

There is still fragility there. But there is also something new. Refusal to accept the draw, a sense that these players expect to win even when they have made it difficult. Carrick has not eliminated the drama, but he may be channelling it.

Whether that proves sustainable or merely seductive, only time will tell.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.