By Karim Hammam
Manchester United produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League at Old Trafford, ending a nine-game winless streak and temporarily securing manager Michael Carrick's position.
First-half embarrassment
United trailed 2-0 within 20 minutes, marking the earliest a visiting side had ever scored twice at Old Trafford in European competition. Roma's Matias Soule exploited defensive gaps, with Ayden Heaven and Diogo Dalot struggling at left-back. Donyell Malen converted a penalty after Heaven's handball, his 12th goal in 13 games. The home crowd responded with protests, throwing tennis balls onto the pitch.
Fernandes and Cunha spark turnaround
The catalysts for the revival were captain Bruno Fernandes and forward Matheus Cunha. Fernandes scored a retaken penalty after Roma's Bryan Cristante was penalised for encroachment, ending a nearly two-month goal drought. Cunha then equalised with a close-range finish following a Fernandes cross, before completing the turnaround with a stunning strike off the near post.
Late drama and costs
Cunha was sent off in injury time for a reckless challenge on Leonardo Balerdi after celebrating his winner in the crowd, ruling him out of United's next Champions League trip to Sporting Lisbon. Midfielder Carlos Baleba also departed with a hamstring injury, likely sidelining him until December.
Defensive frailties exposed
United's defensive issues were laid bare in the first half, with Dalot repeatedly caught out of position and Heaven's recall proving disastrous. Roma could have extended their lead further, but Senne Lammens denied Malen a hat-trick and Soule missed a clear chance.
Reprieve for Carrick
The victory reduces the risk of United failing to reach the top 24 in the Champions League league phase. However, the performance highlighted the scale of the rebuild required, with the team resembling the "United of old" for only one night.
