Manchester United overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford, handing manager Michael Carrick a crucial victory after a difficult run of results and reviving their Champions League campaign.
Roma took control inside the opening 20 minutes through Matias Soule and Donyell Malen, leaving United facing another damaging result amid growing frustration among home supporters.
Soule opened the scoring in the 11th minute after finding space to receive Rodrigo Mora’s pass and beat goalkeeper Senne Lammens. United’s defensive problems continued when Soule’s effort struck Ayden Heaven’s outstretched hand, allowing Malen to convert the resulting penalty.
The tension at Old Trafford spilled into protests during the first half, with supporters throwing tennis balls onto the pitch and chanting against the club’s American owners, the Glazer family.
United’s problems continued after the break when £70 million signing Carlos Baleba suffered a suspected serious hamstring injury less than two minutes into the second half.
Their comeback began shortly before the hour mark when Matheus Cunha won a penalty following contact from Gianluca Mancini. Roma goalkeeper Devis Vasquez saved Bruno Fernandes’s initial attempt, but the kick was retaken after encroachment by visiting players. Fernandes converted the second attempt to reduce the deficit.
United pressed for an equaliser, with Bryan Mbeumo hitting the inside of both posts before Roma captain Bryan Cristante cleared the ball off the line.
Cunha eventually levelled the contest seven minutes from time after Leonardo Balerdi failed to connect with the ball inside Roma’s penalty area, leaving the Brazilian with a simple finish.
Three minutes later, Cunha struck again, firing past Vasquez at his near post to complete the turnaround and send Old Trafford into celebration.
The match ended with United down to 10 men after Cunha received a second yellow card in stoppage time for a reckless challenge. Carrick’s side nevertheless held on for the victory.
Roma’s defeat continued their poor record at Old Trafford, where they have now lost all five visits. The Italian side had also squandered a 3-1 lead against Real Madrid last month before losing 4-3.
For United, the result ended a nine-game winless run across all competitions and offered relief after consecutive Champions League defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como.
Whether the comeback marks a lasting revival under Carrick or merely buys the manager more time remains to be seen.
Man United Fight Back From Two Goals Down to Beat Roma 3-2
