Manchester United produced a stunning comeback to defeat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford in their Champions League fixture. The home team was down 2-0 within the first 20 minutes, courtesy of goals from Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen. The visitors' early lead seemed to put United on the back foot, with their fans growing increasingly frustrated as the game wore on. The team's struggles were compounded by the departure of Lisandro Martínez from the starting lineup following his red card in the previous match against Chelsea.
Roma's lead was extended when Soulé opened the scoring in the 11th minute, slotting past Senne Lammens after a pass from Rodrigo Mora. Shortly after, Malen doubled the visitors' lead, converting a penalty after his effort struck Ayden Heaven's outstretched hand. The home crowd reacted angrily, with some supporters throwing tennis balls onto the field and chanting for the club's American owners, the Glazer family, to sell the team. United's situation appeared increasingly dire early in the second half when £70 million signing Carlos Baleba sustained a suspected hamstring injury.
However, Manchester United's revival began just before the hour mark when Matheus Cunha won a penalty following contact from Gianluca Mancini. Bruno Fernandes' first attempt was saved by Roma goalkeeper Devis Vásquez, but encroachment by the visitors gave the United captain another opportunity. Fernandes converted on the second attempt, sparking a turnaround in United's fortunes. Bryan Mbeumo almost equalised moments later, hitting both posts, before Cunha capitalised on Leonardo Balerdi's failed clearance to level the score seven minutes from time.
Cunha struck again three minutes later, firing past Vásquez to put United ahead. The Brazilian's second goal marked a significant shift in momentum, with Roma struggling to cope with United's renewed energy. Despite this, Cunha was subsequently sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge in stoppage time. United held on with 10 men to secure a vital victory, having suffered consecutive Champions League defeats to Atlético Madrid and Como.
The result offers Carrick breathing space, although it remains to be seen whether it marks a turning point in United's season. The team's poor record at Old Trafford had been a concern, but Roma's latest collapse follows a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid last month, when Gian Piero Gasperini's side surrendered a 3-1 lead with eight minutes remaining. Roma have now lost all five visits to the stadium, highlighting their struggles on the road.
Carrick's decision to remain in charge had appeared to backfire as United struggled in the first half, but the team's second-half performance was a significant improvement. The change in defensive organisation, with Lisandro Martínez dropped from the starting lineup, did little to improve United's defensive issues, but the team's attacking play was more effective. Fernandes and Cunha were key to the comeback, with the pair combining to secure a vital win.
The win provides a boost to United's Champions League campaign, which had been under pressure following consecutive defeats. The team's next match will be crucial in determining whether this result marks a turning point in their season. For Roma, the loss highlights their need to improve their away form and cope with pressure in European competition. The result also raises questions about the future of the Glazer family as owners of Manchester United.
Key points
- Manchester United came from two goals down to beat Roma 3-2 in a Champions League fixture.
- The win eases pressure on manager Michael Carrick and provides a boost to United's Champions League campaign.
- Roma have now lost all five visits to Old Trafford, highlighting their struggles on the road.
