Matheus Cunha of Manchester United. Photo: Getty Images
Manchester United produced a stunning comeback, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Roma 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League.
Matheus Cunha scored twice in three minutes at Old Traffford, including the 86th-minute winner, as United snapped their nine-game winless streak in dramatic fashion on Wednesday (AEDT).
Match-winning star Cunha was then sent off in stoppage time following a second yellow card midweek, with Sir Alex Ferguson watching on from the stands.
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Trailing 2-0 at half-time, United looked dead and buried but fought back through a retaken Bruno Fernandes penalty before Cunha struck twice in three minutes to complete the breath-taking turnaround.
The Brazilian’s 86th-minute winner secured a desperately needed victory for Carrick’s side, ending the embattled club’s winless run and offering some relief amid mounting scrutiny of Michael Carrick.
“You are kidding me,” said commentator Gary Taphouse.
“It is a spectacular turnaround from Manchester United and one you can barely believe.
“A side who looked dead and buried at half-time, all over the place. But they’ve regrouped.
“A turnaround, one you could not have envisaged.”
Manchester United vs Roma: How the match unfolded
United endured a disastrous opening against Roma, conceding twice inside the first 17 minutes as their defensive problems were exposed once again.
In the words of world feed commentatorTaphouse, it was a “calamitous start” at Old Trafford, where Roma scored twice in six minutes to stun the Manchester crowd.
Matias Soule found himself in acres of space as he found the back of the net in the 11th minute after United defender Ayden Heaven was dragged out of position.
Heaven then conceded a penalty six minutes later following a handball, with Donyell Malen stepping up to convert the spot-kick.
“The mood is rather ugly,” added Taphouse.
The visitors took a commanding 2-0 advantage into half-time, leaving Carrick facing the prospect of another damaging defeat and United’s Champions League campaign in further trouble.
But the contest changed after the interval.
Fernandes gave United a lifeline from the penalty spot, converting a retaken effort to reduce the deficit and breathe life into the Old Trafford crowd before Bryan Mbeumo rattled both posts.
The comeback gathered momentum late in the second half when Cunha struck to draw United level.
And just three minutes later, the Brazilian completed an extraordinary turnaround, scoring the winner in the 86th minute to seal a 3-2 victory.
Carrick gets much-needed lifeline as Manchester United end winless streak
The result brought an end to Manchester United’s nine-game winless streak, but the manner of their first-half performance raised further questions about the team’s consistency under Carrick.
United had entered the Champions League encounter under considerable pressure following a prolonged run of disappointing results, with the Red Devils only above the Premier League’s relegation zone on goal difference.
Conceding twice in the opening 17 minutes only intensified those concerns, with defensive uncertainty threatening to derail another European night.
However, the second-half response demonstrated the attacking quality still available to Carrick, with Cunha delivering the decisive contribution when United needed it most.
The victory provides a timely boost to United’s Champions League ambitions, with the two-time champions celebrating their second win in four matches this UCL campaign.
Old Trafford supporters make their feelings known
The atmosphere at Old Trafford reflected the contrasting emotions surrounding Manchester United.
Supporter discontent over the club’s ownership formed part of the backdrop to a match that initially threatened to deepen an already difficult period.
Roma’s early two-goal lead added to the frustration, with United struggling to find a response before half-time as fans directed chants at under-fire director of football Jason Wilcox.
But the mood transformed as Fernandes sparked the comeback and Cunha delivered two late goals, turning a night of anxiety into one of celebration.
The dramatic victory offered supporters a reminder of United’s ability to produce memorable European comebacks, even as wider concerns about the club’s direction remain.
What’s next for Manchester United?
United will look to build on their comeback victory as Carrick attempts to turn a much-needed result into sustained improvement.
Before the international break, Carrick’s United host Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on Monday (AEDT).
Spanish boss Emery has been heavily linked with United in recent weeks.
United, though, look set to be without $133million AUD signing Carlos Baleba following his hamstring injury sustained against Roma.
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