Manchester United overturned a 2-0 half-time deficit to beat Roma, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice, including the winner, in a remarkable comeback at Old Trafford.
Writing in his opinion column, Geoff Maynard said the transformation after the break was so dramatic that manager Michael Carrick must have delivered more than the traditional hairdryer treatment to his players. United looked poor for the first 45 minutes, sloppy in defence, unable to pass in midfield and blunt up front, and were fortunate to trail by only two goals.
A Complete Transformation After the Break
No substitutes were made at half-time, which Maynard suggested pointed to a strong team talk from Carrick. The change in physicality and effort after the interval was significant, he wrote.
United's comeback was aided by a penalty decision for a foul on Matheus Cunha, with Bruno Fernandes allowed to retake his spot kick after encroachment. The goal gave the team belief, and Bryan Mbeumo was unlucky not to equalise for Roma moments later when his shot hit both posts and stayed out.
Cunha Seals the Win
Harry Maguire came close from corners as United pushed forward, and a defensive error then handed Cunha the equaliser. Not content with a point, United surged for a winner, which came when Cunha blasted home before jumping shirtless into the crowd. He was sent off minutes later, but it did not matter.
Maynard said United cannot afford to repeat their first-half performance and must start games with the same intensity they showed after the break. The next test comes against Aston Villa on Sunday, where Maynard urged Carrick to start Shea Lacey, whose 20-minute cameo impressed him.
