Manchester United mounted a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford, securing their first victory in 10 matches and easing the pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
Match Report
Manchester United appeared to be heading towards another disappointing result after conceding twice within the opening 17 minutes at Old Trafford, with Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen putting Roma in a commanding position.
However, Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to reduce the deficit before Matheus Cunha struck twice in three minutes to complete an incredible turnaround. Despite the victory, Cunha was sent off during stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card.
Roma took the lead in the 11th minute when Rodrigo Mora switched play to find an unmarked Soulé, who controlled the ball before calmly slotting it into the bottom-right corner.
United’s situation deteriorated six minutes later after Harry Maguire lost possession inside the penalty area. Ayden Heaven attempted to block the resulting effort but handled the ball, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
Malen stepped up and confidently sent goalkeeper Senne Lammens the wrong way to make it 2-0.
It marked the earliest occasion a visiting team had scored twice at Old Trafford in a major European competition.
Roma continued to threaten, with Lammens denying Malen’s low effort before Soulé narrowly missed with a curling attempt just before the interval.
United, however, responded strongly after the break, despite losing Carlos Baleba to a hamstring injury shortly after half-time.
Their opportunity to get back into the contest arrived when Gianluca Mancini fouled Cunha inside the penalty area.
Fernandes initially saw his penalty saved by debutant goalkeeper Devis Vasquez, but the kick was ordered to be retaken because of encroachment by Roma players. The United captain made no mistake with his second attempt, firing home in the 58th minute.
United almost found an equaliser when Fernandes played a brilliant pass through to Bryan Mbeumo, whose effort struck the left post, travelled across the goal line and bounced off the opposite upright.
Maguire also came close with a header that was blocked by Wesley, while Diogo Dalot was denied on the goal line by Bryan Cristante following the resulting corner.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 83rd minute when Leonardo Balerdi failed to clear his lines, allowing Cunha to pounce and score from close range.
Just three minutes later, the Brazilian completed the comeback with a powerful finish from a tight angle, sending Old Trafford into wild celebrations.
However, Cunha’s night ended controversially when he removed his shirt and jumped into the crowd during the celebrations. He received his second yellow card in the 91st minute for a late challenge on Balerdi.
United nevertheless held on to secure a crucial 3-2 victory, ending their nine-game winless run.
Carrick Enjoys Crucial Victory After Remarkable Second-Half Response
Manchester United’s opening 20 minutes reflected their recent difficulties, as defensive mistakes allowed Roma to take a two-goal advantage.
The result also ended United’s run of conceding first in four consecutive matches, while Carrick’s side achieved their first comeback victory from a two-goal half-time deficit since October 2021, when they defeated Atalanta 3-2.
Fernandes also ended a difficult run in front of goal, having failed to score with his previous 18 attempts across all competitions. His successful penalty was his 50th for Manchester United, taking his tally to 44 converted spot-kicks.
Although Cunha’s dismissal took some shine off his performance, the Brazilian remains United’s most influential player in terms of direct goal contributions this season, with six involving four goals and two assists.
United’s second-half display was significantly better, recording 10 shots, including five on target, and generating 2.48 expected goals (xG), compared with just 0.24 in the first half.
Roma, meanwhile, failed to register a single attempt on Lammens’ goal after the interval.
The remarkable comeback could prove a major turning point for Carrick, who will hope the victory provides the momentum needed to revive Manchester United’s struggling campaign.
