Two goals down at half time and facing another bleak night, the home side somehow turned the Champions League tie on its head. The Manchester United comeback ended with a 3-2 win over Roma and a long winless run finally snapped.
Roma looked in control early. Matias Soule opened the scoring inside the first quarter hour, and Donyell Malen added a penalty before the break. At the break, Roma led 2-0 and United looked beaten.
Manchester United comeback built on a retaken penalty
The momentum shifted after the restart. In the 58th minute, Manchester United were awarded a spot kick, and Bruno Fernandes saw his first effort saved. The referee ordered a retake for encroachment, and Fernandes scored at the second attempt.
That goal gave United belief, and the pressure kept growing. Matheus Cunha levelled the match late on. Within minutes he struck again to complete the Manchester United comeback and send the stadium wild.
Manager Michael Carrick needed this one. The win ended a winless run that had been a growing worry for the club.
Cunha’s red card adds a late twist
The night did not end without drama. Cunha picked up a booking for his celebration after the second goal. Deep into stoppage time he committed a late foul and received a second yellow card, so United finished the match with ten men.
That sending off may matter for what comes next, and Carrick will wait to see what it means for his plans. For now, the focus is on what this victory does for confidence. Roma scored twice before the break and then failed to find a third, a sharp contrast with the opening half. The Italian side had looked comfortable until United found their rhythm after the restart.
United have a point to prove in the league phase, and nights like this can change a season. Roma, by contrast, must explain how they let a two goal lead slip away.
