Manchester United pulled out an enormous win for Michael Carrick as they fought back from 2-0 down to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League.
Winless in nine games heading into this European night under the lights and United were staring at 10 without a win, a record that was last struck in 1978, when they were two down at half-time after a dreadful start.
But United conjured up spirit that has been barely visible so far this season as a brace from Matheus Cunha – who finished the night getting sent off – followed a penalty from Bruno Fernandes to seal the most crucial of wins.
What it means for Carrick’s future in the medium to longer term remains to be seen.
Those upstairs at United have privately taken a lot of the blame and want to end the churn of managers carrying the can for poor player performances. Only time will tell how big a turning point this night can be.
Daily Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT was at Old Trafford on a frantic night to run the rule over the players…
Matheus Cunha rescued victory from the jaws of defeat for Manchester United against Roma
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)
Senne Lammens – 6
Made a big save low to his right on the stroke of half-time to prevent further embarrassment for United and, as it turned out, give them a fighting chance of getting the result they pulled out of the hat. His distribution seems to have really regressed this season with far too many aimless balls, though.
Leny Yoro – 6
Made a huge recovery tackle to deny Rodrigo Mora a third and in a feckless first half it was he who bust a gut where others didn’t. Yes, it’s a low bar but Yoro has actually been one of, if not, the best United performers during this never-ending malaise.
Harry Maguire – 4
A performance littered with mistakes that, in truth, looked to have been scrubbed from his game coming into this campaign. He’s the leader of the back-line and he did everything but lead in a first half that saw positioning and decision-making leave a lot to be desired. His clearance that resulted in Roma’s second goal was diabolical. Booked and was fortunate not to have been sent off.
Harry Maguire left a lot to be desired in a defensive performance littered with basic errors
Ayden Heaven – 4
Thrust into the side in place of Lisandro Martinez and his head will have been spinning when he gave away a penalty for a handball, which Donyell Malen converted. Booked for a lunging challenge that is becoming a worrying trend of tackling with studs up. May sound daft but he needs coaching by Jonny Evans or Jonathan Woodgate on a better way to slide tackle. Booked.
Diogo Dalot – 3
Abysmal defending for Roma’s first goal as he committed to the attack like a winger and left Matias Soule the freedom of Manchester to score. Kept pushing forward – you have to assume by instruction – and kept being found wanting. Options are slim but he’s not making any positive contribution to the team from left back. Needs a stop putting to it.
Carlos Baleba – 5
Got told to ‘f**k off’ by Bruno Fernandes in a fraught first half for a bobbly pass to tee him up on the edge of the box. Made a couple of smart bursts through lines but he’s in the side to protect the defence and he didn’t do it. Night cut short when he pulled his hamstring 60 seconds into the second half.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Will be disappointed with himself at how sloppily he gave away the ball in a turnover which exposed his defenders for the first goal. That error aside, he settled in and improved as it wore on. His ability to actually beat a man is in short supply in this United side and his physicality was something to marvel at at times.
Kobbie Mainoo actually looks to drive past players, a skill in short supply at United
Amad – 5
Always has a buzz about him when he gets the ball and he was the only one to come back from Como with any crumb of credit. Here it was a more sobering affair where his influence was heavily restricted and it means his wait for a United goal goes on. Not managed one since December 2025.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
A night of frustration for large spells but one that did eventually serve up a goal and assist for the United captain. He was unfairly booked when Soule got into a pushing match that was very one sided down in the corner. Missed a second-half penalty (which was re-taken due to encroachment) and made no mistake second time around. All that aside, it was a poor look when he’s berating team-mates when his own performance level is way below what he’s capable of, mind you.
Matheus Cunha – 8
Comfortably the best player in a United shirt on the night – even with the red card. For one, he gets stuck in. For two, it was Cunha who won the penalty – however fortunate a decision that was – that Fernandes eventually converted to make it 2-1. He deserved an assist when he set Mbeumo free for a run on goal moments later. Scored two crucial late goals that will airbrush just how bad a tackle he made to see red. Could make a case for his best performance in a United shirt. It’s up there.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6
Had his head in his hands, much like a lot of the supporters, when he struck both posts after being played through one v one by Cunha. Had a couple of opportunities to scamper through on goal but just didn’t have the pace.
Bryan Mbeumo will want his second half breakaway chance back after striking both posts
MANAGER: Michael Carrick – 8
Muted in celebration at the end and given everything he’s had to navigate this season that’s perhaps understandable. But this was a shot in the arm, how big we need to wait and see. People have labelled him a dead man walking but he’s not giving up yet.
SUBS
Youri Tielemans (for Carlos Baleba, 51) – 5
Did OK, but didn’t do a great deal to drive the play forward. Not exactly the perfect foil to Mainoo, who is stylistically similar.
Shea Lacey (for Amad, 75) – 7
Lifted the crowd and helped change the game. Should have won a penalty when he was hacked down and it was his assist to Cunha that sealed victory. Coudln’t have made a stronger case to start on Sunday.
Lisandro Martinez (for Ayden Heaven, 75) – 6
The fact he was far away from the eventual headlines was probably a good thing for all concerned after what transpired at Stamford Bridge.
Mason Mount (for Bruno Fernandes, 88)
Matthijs de Ligt (for Harry Maguire, 88)
AS Roma (3-4-3)
Vasquez 6; Mancini 6 (Ghilardi 76, 5), Balerdi 4, Hermoso 5 (N’Dicka 76, 5); Rensch 5 (Lulli 21, 6), Cristante 6, De Roon 7, Franca 6; Mora 8, Malen 7 (Castro 78), Soule 7
Goals: Soule (11), Malen (18 pen)
Booked: Soule, Lulli, Malen
Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini 5
Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano 5
