By Basant El-Faramawy
Manchester United's dramatic 3-2 Champions League comeback victory over Roma at Old Trafford has drawn immediate comparisons to similar turnarounds under former managers Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Head coach Michael Carrick, appointed on an interim basis, oversaw a transformation from a hostile atmosphere to celebration as his side erased a two-goal deficit.
Mourinho's 2018 Newcastle escape
In October 2018, Mourinho faced intense speculation about his future before a home match against Newcastle. United trailed 2-0 early, but a tactical switch bringing on Juan Mata sparked a 3-2 win, with Alexis Sanchez scoring a last-minute winner. Mourinho described the pressure as a "manhunt," and although form improved briefly, he was dismissed 10 weeks later after a 3-1 loss at Liverpool.
Solskjaer's 2021 Atalanta revival
Three years later, Solskjaer's United also fell 2-0 behind at half-time to Atalanta in the Champions League. Cristiano Ronaldo's late goal completed another 3-2 comeback. However, a subsequent 5-0 home defeat to Liverpool and a 4-1 loss at Watford led to Solskjaer's departure three weeks later.
Carrick's immediate test
Carrick has downplayed the significance of the Roma win, calling it "one win" and refusing to get carried away. United have gone seven Premier League games without a victory and face Aston Villa on Sunday. A win would lift them within two points of Villa, but defeat could drop them into the relegation zone ahead of a difficult run including trips to Liverpool, Newcastle, and Arsenal. The club hierarchy is expected to assess Carrick's position during the upcoming international break.
