Manchester United recovered from two goals down to beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice in three late minutes to complete a dramatic Champions League comeback.
The win ended United’s nine-match winless run and gave head coach Michael Carrick a first victory in 10 games. It also arrived after home supporters protested before kick-off, Reuters reported, making the late turnaround a release of weeks of frustration.
Roma stunned the home crowd inside 17 minutes, according to UEFA’s matchday results, with Matias Soule opening the scoring in the 11th minute and Donyell Malen doubling the lead from the penalty spot six minutes later.
Bruno Fernandes gave United a route back in the 58th minute, scoring from a retaken penalty after his first attempt was saved, according to match reports.
Cunha levelled in the 83rd minute after a failed clearance by Roma defender Leonardo Balerdi left him free to score from close range, Sky Sports reported.
Three minutes later, substitute Shea Lacey found Cunha on the right of the area, and the Brazilian smashed home the winner at the near post to complete a comeback that had looked impossible at half-time.
Cunha’s night then took a final twist, as he was sent off in stoppage time after a second yellow card, having earlier been booked for taking his shirt off while celebrating, according to The Times. United held on with 10 men to secure the win.
The result also mattered beyond one night, because United had arrived at the match under heavy pressure after a 4-1 defeat at Como on matchday three, according to UEFA’s results, and another setback would have deepened the scrutiny on Carrick.
United host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, November 8, while Roma are at home to Sassuolo in Serie A on Saturday, November 7, according to match listings. No further Champions League fixture for either side is confirmed in this report beyond the league-phase schedule.
| Minute | Scorer | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Matias Soule | Roma |
| 17 | Donyell Malen (penalty) | Roma |
| 58 | Bruno Fernandes (penalty) | Manchester United |
| 83 | Matheus Cunha | Manchester United |
| 86 | Matheus Cunha | Manchester United |
