Manchester United staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford in a Champions League fixture to end their winless run and ease pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
The home crowd was left furious after Roma raced into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes through Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen. However, a twice-taken Bruno Fernandes penalty sparked United’s revival before Matheus Cunha scored twice to complete the turnaround.
Carrick’s decision to remain in charge appeared to have backfired as United struggled in the first half, but Roma once again failed to overcome their poor record at Old Trafford. The Italians have now lost all five visits to the stadium.
Their latest collapse follows a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid last month, when Gian Piero Gasperini’s side surrendered a 3-1 lead with eight minutes remaining.
Carrick dropped Lisandro Martínez following his red card in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, but the change did little to improve United’s defensive organisation.
Soulé opened the scoring in the 11th minute, controlling Rodrigo Mora’s pass before slotting past Senne Lammens. Moments later, his effort struck Ayden Heaven’s outstretched hand, allowing Malen to convert the resulting penalty.
Midway through the first half, supporters threw tennis balls into the field and chanted for the club’s American owners, the Glazer family, to sell United.
The hosts suffered another setback early in the second half when £70 million signing Carlos Baleba sustained a suspected hamstring injury.
Fernandes and Cunha complete comeback
United’s revival began just before the hour mark when Cunha won a penalty following contact from Gianluca Mancini. Fernandes’ first attempt was saved by Roma goalkeeper Devis Vásquez, but encroachment by the visitors gave the United captain another opportunity. He converted on the second attempt.
Bryan Mbeumo almost equalised moments later, hitting both posts, before Cunha capitalised on Leonardo Balerdi’s failed clearance to level the score seven minutes from time.
Three minutes later, the Brazilian struck again, firing past Vásquez to put United ahead. Cunha was subsequently sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge in stoppage time.
United held on with 10 men to secure a vital victory after consecutive Champions League defeats to Atlético Madrid and Como. The result offers Carrick breathing space, although whether it marks a turning point in United’s season remains to be seen.
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