Cunha scores late brace as Manchester United beat Roma 3-2

Matheus Cunha scored a late brace to secure Manchester United a 3-2 comeback victory against Roma in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

Champions League Comeback Under the Old Trafford Lights

United started the match in a nine-match winless run that left head coach Michael Carrick’s job hanging by a thread, according to rte.ie. Matias Soule opened the scoring for Roma in the 11th minute after taking advantage of space left by left-back Diogo Dalot. Donyell Malen soon doubled Roma’s lead from the penalty spot. Fans had protested the Glazers before kickoff with green and gold balloons, while tennis balls later landed on the pitch at 20 minutes and five seconds to mark the 2005 debt-financed buyout.

The hosts turned the match around in the second half through sustained intensity. Bruno Fernandes converted a 58th-minute penalty at the second attempt after Bryan Cristante encroached during his initial missed effort, which had followed a soft foul call on Cunha. United pressed heavily, seeing a Bryan Mbeumo strike hit both posts and a Harry Maguire header blocked. In the 83rd minute, Leonardo Balerdi misread a clipped cross from Fernandes, allowing Cunha to score from close range.

Matheus Cunha scores late winner before red card

Cunha completed the turnaround in the 86th minute by meeting a pass inside from substitute Shea Lacey and striking a thumping effort off the inside of the near post. The Brazilian forward received two quick yellow cards—the first for celebrating shirtless in the crowd and the second for a late challenge—resulting in a red card as United held on to seal their first win in 10 games, rte.ie reported. Sky Sports noted that the victory ended a 54-day winless stretch and brought an improbable Champions League win for Carrick. Senne Lammens made a superb save from Malen just before halftime while playing behind an exposed defensive line.

Bruno Fernandes defends manager amid mounting media speculation

Speaking to Amazon Prime after the match, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes addressed the mounting media speculation and pressure on the coaching staff. It has been tough, there’s been a lot of speculation in the media, a lot of lies around many things that have happened in this club, Fernandes said, as cited by Sky Sports. It doesn’t change the belief I have in the manager, in the staff and every player that is in this club. Sky Sports also reported that Roma entered the fixture unbeaten in Serie A before conceding their two-goal lead and seeing a clearance pulled off the line during United’s second-half surge.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Old Trafford Fixture

How many games had Manchester United gone without a win prior to facing Roma?

United entered the fixture on a nine-match winless run, with their previous victory coming 54 days earlier.

Why were tennis balls thrown onto the Old Trafford pitch during the first half?

Fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch at 20 minutes and five seconds to mark the Glazers' debt-financed buyout of the club in 2005.

What caused Matheus Cunha to be sent off near the end of the match?

Cunha received two quick yellow cards—the first for removing his shirt while celebrating his winning goal in the crowd and the second for a late challenge in the closing minutes.

Who scored Roma’s goals in the first half?

Matias Soule opened the scoring in the 11th minute after breaking past the United defense, and Donyell Malen added the second from a penalty spot-kick.