Manchester United ended their nine-match winless streak in spectacular fashion on Tuesday, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Roma 3-2 in a dramatic Champions League encounter at Old Trafford.
Matheus Cunha emerged as the hero, scoring twice in the closing stages after Bruno Fernandes had sparked the comeback from the penalty spot.
The victory provided much-needed relief for manager Michael Carrick, whose position had come under increasing scrutiny following United’s poor start to the season.
However, the evening began disastrously for the hosts, with Roma establishing a commanding advantage inside 20 minutes.
Matias Soule opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalising on space in United’s defence to convert Rodrigo Mora’s pass beyond goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The visitors doubled their lead shortly afterwards when Ayden Heaven handled Soule’s effort inside the penalty area.
Donyell Malen converted the resulting spot-kick, registering his 12th goal of the campaign and leaving United facing another damaging defeat.
Frustration among home supporters became evident midway through the opening half when tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch during protests against the club’s owners, the Glazer family.
United’s problems deepened shortly after the restart when midfielder Carlos Baleba suffered a suspected serious hamstring injury following an attacking run into Roma’s penalty area.
Nevertheless, the momentum shifted before the hour mark when Cunha won a controversial penalty following minimal contact from Gianluca Mancini.
Fernandes initially saw his effort saved by Roma goalkeeper Devis Vasquez, but the referee ordered a retake because of encroachment.
The United captain made no mistake with his second attempt, reducing the deficit and reigniting the home crowd.
United subsequently came close to equalising when Bryan Mbeumo struck both posts, while Roma captain Bryan Cristante cleared another effort off the line.
The breakthrough eventually arrived seven minutes from time after Leonardo Balerdi failed to clear the ball inside his penalty area, allowing Cunha to score from close range.
Three minutes later, the Brazilian completed the turnaround with a powerful strike that beat Vasquez at his near post.
Cunha’s celebrations took him into the crowd, earning a yellow card that would later prove costly.
He was subsequently dismissed in stoppage time after receiving a second booking for a reckless challenge, forcing United to defend their lead with 10 men.
Carrick’s side held firm to secure their first victory in 10 matches across all competitions.
The result revived United’s Champions League campaign following consecutive defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como.
Roma, meanwhile, suffered another painful European collapse, extending their losing record at Old Trafford to five visits.
For Carrick, the victory offers temporary relief from mounting pressure, although United must now demonstrate that the comeback represents a sustained improvement rather than an isolated result.
Ezeana Emmanuel
