Manchester United ended their winless run with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Roma at Old Trafford, coming from 2-0 down at half-time to secure a memorable European night. Matheus Cunha scored twice in the second half to complete the turnaround and ease the pressure on interim manager Michael Carrick.
Slow start and defensive errors
Roma took the lead through Matias Soule, who was given too much space on the right flank of a counter-attack. The second goal followed a similar pattern, with Ayden Heaven blocking Soule's strike with his arm and Donyell Malan converting the resulting penalty.
Malan missed another gilt-edged chance soon after, which could have made the evening even worse for United. Supporters had released thousands of green and gold balloons into the sky before kick-off, a protest against the Glazer regime, and tennis balls were also thrown onto the pitch during the game.
Second-half revival
Carlos Baleba pulled up with a hamstring injury early in the second half, but his misfortune was followed by a United revival. Bruno Fernandes converted a retaken penalty after his first effort was saved by third-choice keeper Devis Vasquez and the loose ball was cleared by an encroaching defender.
United should have been level before the hour mark, but Bryan Mbeumo hit both posts. Harry Maguire then went close as the home side found joy with every attack, and Roma began to fall into disarray.
Cunha completes the comeback
Cunha tapped in the equaliser after poor Roma defending before hammering home the winner to complete a remarkable turnaround. The result gives Carrick breathing room, though the performance was far from convincing, especially in a first half that saw United produce some of their worst defensive work of the season.
Whether this proves to be a turning point remains to be seen, but the fight shown in the second half at least gave the beleaguered manager something to build on.
