A Man United comeback from two goals down eased the pressure on Michael Carrick, as his side beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford in round four of the Champions League league phase. The result also denied Roma a first-ever away win in the competition in England.
Roma Strike Early
United had trailed within the opening two minutes in their last two Champions League games, so surviving that period felt like progress. The calm lasted only 11 minutes. After United lost the ball in midfield, Rodrigo Mora split the defence with one pass, and Matías Soulé finished from inside the area with only Senne Lammens to beat.
Roma doubled their lead moments later. Ayden Heaven was judged to have handled Soulé’s effort in the box, and Donyell Malen coolly converted the penalty for his fourth Champions League goal of the season. No visiting team had ever scored twice so early at Old Trafford in major European competition.
United offered little in response. Lammens saved well to his right to stop a stinging Malen drive, and Soulé curled an effort just wide with the last kick of the half. The home fans booed their team off at the break.
United Hit Back
The second half brought a much better start. Gianluca Mancini tripped Matheus Cunha for a penalty, and Bruno Fernandes saw his first attempt saved. Bryan Cristante had encroached into the area before clearing the rebound, so the kick was retaken, and Fernandes scored at the second attempt.
Almost straight from the restart, Bryan Mbeumo was played in behind and came within inches of equalising. His shot hit the inside of both posts before bouncing to safety. United’s pressure kept building, though referee Jesús Gil Manzano waved away a strong appeal when Harry Maguire was manhandled at the far post.
Cunha Turns the Game
The equaliser arrived seven minutes from time. Leonardo Balerdi made a mistake, and Cunha pounced to stroke home Fernandes’ cross, setting up a grandstand finish.
Moments later, Shea Lacey slipped Cunha through, and the Brazilian squeezed a powerful shot in at the near post to complete the turnaround. The win could prove vital for Carrick ahead of Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa.
Cunha, named Man of the Match, ended the night on a sour note. He was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge in stoppage time.