Michael Carrick’s Manchester United appeared destined for another damaging European night after falling two goals behind Roma at Old Trafford, but an extraordinary late response spared the manager further embarrassment and revived the atmosphere around the club.
The Red Devils looked short of confidence against a Roma side that arrived in Manchester in excellent form, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s men threatening to extend United’s miserable run of results.
However, just when another defeat appeared inevitable, Manchester United found the determination to turn the contest around, scoring three times to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.
The result offered Carrick some much-needed breathing space ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa, while Roma were left to reflect on a missed opportunity to claim their first Champions League away victory against English opposition.
Roma expose United’s defensive problems
United’s difficulties became apparent early as Roma needed just 11 minutes to break the deadlock.
After winning possession in midfield, the visitors exploited the space behind the home defence, with Rodrigo Mora releasing MatÃas Soule through on goal. The Argentine made no mistake, beating Senne Lammens to put Roma ahead.
The situation deteriorated further moments later when Ayden Heaven was penalised for handball inside the penalty area following another Soule effort.
Donyell Malen stepped forward and confidently converted from the spot to make it 2-0, scoring his fourth Champions League goal of the campaign.
It was a particularly damaging start for Carrick, whose team had conceded early in their previous two Champions League outings.
United struggled to respond, while Roma threatened to extend their advantage before half time. Lammens produced an important save to deny Malen, before Soule narrowly missed the target with another opportunity.
The home supporters made their frustration clear as the players headed into the dressing room to a chorus of boos.
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United returned with greater attacking purpose after the interval, and their improved approach quickly produced an opportunity.
Matheus Cunha was brought down by Gianluca Mancini inside the penalty area, prompting referee Jesús Gil Manzano to point to the spot.
Bruno Fernandes initially saw his penalty saved by the goalkeeper, but Roma’s Bryan Cristante had encroached into the area before clearing the rebound.
The referee ordered a retake, giving the United captain another opportunity, and Fernandes made no mistake the second time to reduce the deficit.
The goal transformed the atmosphere at Old Trafford, and United almost found an immediate equaliser when Bryan Mbeumo broke through following the restart.
His effort struck the inside of both posts before somehow bouncing away from danger, leaving Roma with a remarkable escape.
United continued to apply pressure, with further appeals for a penalty waved away after Harry Maguire was manhandled inside the area.
However, Carrick’s men refused to surrender, sensing that Roma were beginning to struggle under the growing pressure.
Cunha completes remarkable turnaround
The breakthrough eventually arrived seven minutes from time when Leonardo Balerdi made a costly mistake.
Cunha capitalised on the defensive error and connected with Fernandes’ delivery before calmly stroking the ball into the net to make it 2-2.
Old Trafford erupted, but United were not finished.
Just moments later, Shea Lacey released Cunha into space, and the Brazilian squeezed a powerful effort past the goalkeeper at the near post to complete an extraordinary turnaround.
Having looked beaten for much of the evening, United had suddenly moved in front, leaving Roma scrambling to recover during the closing stages.
Cunha’s celebrations, however, were short-lived. The Brazilian was subsequently sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge in stoppage time.
United nevertheless held on to secure all three points and complete a comeback that had appeared highly unlikely at half-time.
Carrick gets crucial relief as Roma lose historic opportunity
The victory represents an important result for Carrick, whose position had come under increasing scrutiny following United’s disappointing sequence of results.
The former midfielder was part of the United team that famously demolished Roma 7-1 at Old Trafford in the 2007 Champions League quarterfinal, scoring twice in that memorable encounter.
Nearly two decades later, he has now experienced another dramatic night against the Italian club, this time from the dugout.
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The defeat was frustrating given their commanding first half performance and opportunity to end their long-standing Champions League away hoodoo against English opposition
Gasperini’s side had arrived unbeaten in 17 consecutive Serie A matches and fresh from an emphatic 5-2 victory over Udinese, but their inability to protect a two-goal advantage proved costly.
United will now turn their attention to Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa, hoping this dramatic European victory can provide the foundation for a much-needed revival.
