Manchester United came from two goals behind to beat Roma 3-2, securing their first win in 10 matches and giving manager Michael Carrick some breathing room. Matheus Cunha scored twice in a second-half turnaround that transformed the Champions League tie.
Roma took control early, scoring twice within the opening 18 minutes through Matias Soule and Donyell Malen, punishing more poor defending from the home side. United were fortunate not to concede further, but were handed a way back just before the hour mark when Cunha won a debatable penalty.
Penalty and equaliser spark revival
Bruno Fernandes saw his initial spot-kick saved by Roma debutant goalkeeper Devis Vasquez, but a retake was ordered for encroachment. Fernandes converted at the second attempt in emphatic style to make it 2-1.
United emerged with renewed confidence, and after sustained pressure, Cunha capitalised on a poor clearance from Leonardo Balerdi to slot home the equaliser. The winning goal was all his own work, as he hammered a strike past Vasquez at the near post and celebrated by removing his shirt.
Cunha sent off after second yellow
Cunha was booked for his celebration before jumping into the crowd, risking a second yellow card. The Brazilian survived that moment but was shown a second yellow for a late tackle in stoppage time.
United held on to claim their first victory since beating Sabah on September 10. The result was almost a last chance for Carrick, who had to select a line-up capable of stopping the slide.
Lisandro Martinez was dropped to the bench following his poor display against Chelsea, despite his ban applying only to Premier League matches. Kobbie Mainoo made his first start in nearly a month.
Carrick's pre-match words and a poor start
"I think tonight is a whole new Man United," Carrick said before the match. "It's the next opportunity for us to win a football match, we are looking to do that, we need to do that, and tonight would be a good one [for us to win]."
His words proved wide of the mark early on. Inside 18 minutes, United were 2-0 down after conceding two more calamitous goals. The first saw Mainoo easily dispossessed in midfield, allowing Roma to work the ball to Rodrigo Mora, who found Soule in acres of space with Diogo Dalot caught high up the pitch. Soule finished coolly past Senne Lammens.
The second came soon after, when Harry Maguire's poor clearance was seized upon by Soule, whose shot was blocked by the arm of Ayden Heaven. Referee Jesus Gil Manzano pointed to the spot, and Malen converted the penalty.
Fan protests and injury blow
Before kick-off, United supporters were planning a protest against the Glazers during the 21st minute. Green and gold balloons filled the Stretford End, and tennis balls, as well as a pie, were thrown onto the pitch amid chants of 'we want Glazers out'. There were also chants against Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox.
At half-time, boos turned to silence as Old Trafford was filled with apathy. In the second half, Baleba charged into Roma's penalty area and shaped to shoot, only to pull up clutching his hamstring. He had to be substituted, having arrived at United injured and facing a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines.
