Bruno Fernandes celebrates against Roma
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Manchester United got back to winning ways against Roma in the Champions League.
The miserable nine-game winless run across all competitions is over. Manchester United beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, coming from behind thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha.
The Reds have six points from four Champions League matches, with four games left to play as they attempt to secure qualification for the knockout stages. First up is Sporting CP away from home at the end of the month.
Ultimately, it was a game of two halves. United were dire in the first half and went in two goals behind at the break. They turned things around in the second half to win 3-2. Here are the biggest winners and losers from what was a dramatic fight at Old Trafford.
Winners
It’s rare to have more winners than losers in this column since the beginning of the season.
Bruno Fernandes: It has been a difficult start to the season for Fernandes. The club captain ended an eight-game run of no goals or assists tonight. He pulled one back for United before setting up Matheus Cunha to inspire an incredible comeback win.
Matheus Cunha: The fiery Brazilian’s brace won the match for United despite being sent off. He lifted the crowd before Fernandes scored his penalty kick, making a difference when it mattered most. This performance should give Cunha a spring in his step going into the game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Michael Carrick: Relief was written across Michael Carrick’s face. He has kept his cool in a very difficult period for the team, and tonight he was rewarded with the reaction from his players in the second half. The under-pressure head coach now has something to build on.
Losers
Lisandro Martinez: After costing the team a defeat to Chelsea last weekend by getting sent off, Lisandro Martinez was dropped from the line-up tonight. He came on towards the end of the match to a mixed reaction from the fans.
Diogo Dalot: It was a dire display from Diogo Dalot. Playing at left-back, he was in no-man’s-land for Roma’s opener, which came from his side, and he kept giving the ball away. United need at least two top full-backs next summer – one on either side.