Manchester United secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Roma thanks to Matheus Cunha's late double, clawing back from a two-goal deficit in a match that provided a rare moment of relief for manager Michael Carrick.
The team's first-half performance was widely described as dire, with early goals from Matias Soule in the 11th minute and Donyell Malen from the penalty spot putting Roma firmly in control. The situation was exacerbated by fan protests, with green and gold balloons and tennis balls being thrown onto the pitch, reflecting discontent with the club's owners, the Glazers.
United's resurgence began shortly before the hour mark. A penalty, awarded to Cunha after he appeared to trip himself, was initially saved by Roma goalkeeper Devis Vasquez. However, a retake was ordered due to encroachment by Roma defenders, and Bruno Fernandes successfully converted the second attempt. This goal appeared to galvanize the home side.
Moments later, Cunha nearly equalized, but his lifted shot struck both posts and stayed out. The momentum, however, had shifted. United pressed for an equalizer, with Harry Maguire seeing a header cleared and appeals for a penalty waved away.
The dramatic turnaround was completed in the final minutes. In the 83rd minute, a defensive error by Roma's Leonardo Balerdi allowed Cunha to slide the ball home from close range. Just three minutes later, Cunha struck again from an angle to seal the improbable victory. Despite his heroics, Cunha was later sent off after receiving a second yellow card for his celebrations and a subsequent foul, though he departed to an ovation.
The win provides Carrick with much-needed breathing room amid a difficult season for Manchester United, though questions remain about the team's overall consistency and fundamental issues.