Manchester United ended a 54-day wait for a win with a stirring 3-2 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League at Old Trafford, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice to turn the game around.
United were two goals behind inside 17 minutes after a chaotic defensive display and a tactical set-up from Michael Carrick that left the left flank exposed. Matías Soulé opened the scoring after capitalising on a Kobbie Mainoo mistake, before Donyell Malen converted a penalty to double Roma's lead.
Second-half fightback
Carrick's side were given a way back into the match before the hour mark when Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot on his second attempt, after his first effort had been saved. Bryan Mbeumo then hit both posts a minute later.
With the comeback threatening to fade, Cunha struck twice in quick succession to seal a dramatic victory and relieve the pressure on Carrick.
Player ratings
Senne Lammens made a superb save from Malen on the stroke of half-time and was powerless with the goals behind a defence offering no protection. 7
Leny Yoro produced one good early interception and an excellent recovery tackle late in the first half, standing up well after the break. 6
Harry Maguire started strongly, reading the game well, but was left exposed by a tactical set-up that left a lot to be desired and looked desperate at times after the interval. 6
Ayden Heaven returned at centre-back but was given too much ground to cover after the decision to have Diogo Dalot abandon his full-back duties. 5
Diogo Dalot was caught ahead of the ball for both first-half goals, though he had sympathy given he was following instructions. Poor on the ball, his confidence looks shot. 3
Carlos Baleba started well but struggled later in the first half, earning a verbal volley from Fernandes for a scuffed pass, and was unfortunate when his hamstring went. 5
Kobbie Mainoo was at fault for the first goal but brought intensity and intelligence to midfield, and needs to be starting every game again. 6
Amad was bright at times in the first half but struggled to sustain it as he returns from injury, offering less than Mbeumo and Cunha. 5
Bruno Fernandes received stick from supporters for turning on his teammates, got lucky with the penalty retake, and showed plenty of anger again. 6
Matheus Cunha was lively playing more through the middle, won the penalty, scored the equaliser, and showed bundles of passion and determination. 9
Bryan Mbeumo looks a yard off it but was unlucky not to score when he hit both posts just after the penalty, playing an unusual role on the left wing. 6
Substitutes make an impact
Youri Tielemans kept United on the front foot more often than in the first half. 7
Lisandro Martinez was met with a few boos when he came on for Heaven. 6
Shea Lacey showed superb footwork on the wing and sent in the cross for the equaliser, albeit a defender missed it, and needs more chances. 7
Mason Mount and Matthijs de Ligt were late substitutes. 6
Unused substitutes: Darlow, Heaton, Amass, Mazraoui, T. Fletcher, Santos, Zirkzee.
