Manchester United produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, November 3, recovering from two goals down to secure their first victory in 10 matches and ease pressure on head coach Michael Carrick.
The hosts appeared headed for another disappointing result after Roma took control of the contest with two goals inside the opening 17 minutes. However, a second-half response led by Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha turned the match around, with the Brazilian scoring twice in three minutes to complete the turnaround.
Matías Soulé opened the scoring in the 11th minute after collecting Rodrigo Moura's pass before firing past Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The visitors doubled their advantage six minutes later when Donyell Malen converted a penalty after Ayden Heaven handled Soulé's effort inside the box.
United struggled to find a response before the break, with their attacking attempts failing to trouble Roma goalkeeper Devis Vásquez significantly. The frustration was also evident among supporters, who booed the team as the players left the pitch at half-time.
The home side's difficulties continued shortly after the restart when Carlos Baleba was forced off with an injury and replaced by Youri Tielemans.
However, United found a route back into the contest in the 58th minute after Cunha won a penalty following a challenge by Gianluca Mancini. Fernandes initially saw his spot-kick saved by Vásquez, but the Portuguese captain was given another opportunity after Roma encroached into the penalty area.
He made no mistake with his second attempt, sending the ball into the top-left corner to reduce the deficit and give the home supporters renewed hope.
United increased the pressure as Roma struggled to contain their attacking threat. Bryan Mbeumo came close to drawing the hosts level when his effort struck both posts before bouncing away, while Harry Maguire also threatened from a header.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 83rd minute when Leonardo Balerdi failed to deal with Fernandes' cross, allowing Cunha to finish from close range and bring United back into the match.
Three minutes later, the Brazilian completed the turnaround with a second goal, finishing Shea Lacey's pass with a powerful effort past Vásquez to put United ahead for the first time in the encounter.
The celebrations were briefly interrupted when Cunha received a second yellow card in stoppage time for a foul on Balerdi, having already been booked for removing his shirt and celebrating among the supporters after scoring.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, United held on through the closing stages to claim all three points in a result that brought an end to their nine-game winless run.
The victory also offered Carrick some breathing room after a difficult spell, although United will need to build on the performance when they host Aston Villa in their next Premier League fixture on Sunday.
For Roma, the defeat represented a missed opportunity after their commanding first-half display, with defensive mistakes after the interval allowing United to complete one of their most dramatic comebacks of the season.
