Matheus Cunha double completes stunning United comeback against Roma

Manchester United came from 2-0 down to beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice in three minutes to complete a stunning comeback.

The win ended a nine-game winless run and could give under-pressure manager Michael Carrick a lifeline.

It looked like a different story at half-time, with United booed off after a dreadful first 45 minutes.

Carrick’s decision to play Diogo Dalot and Leny Yoro out of position as makeshift wingers backfired badly.

Roma went ahead after around ten minutes when Kobbie Mainoo gave the ball away, Heaven missed Rodrigo Mora’s pass, and Matias Soule picked his spot past Senne Lammens.

It got worse inside 17 minutes, as Harry Maguire gave the ball back to Soule and Heaven blocked his shot with his arm.

Referee Jesus Gil Manzano pointed to the spot, and Donyell Malen sent Lammens the wrong way from the penalty.

Fans responded by throwing tennis balls onto the pitch in protest, with much of the anger aimed at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers.

Roma could have been further ahead at the break, with Lammens denying Malen and Soule firing just wide.

United’s night worsened when Carlos Baleba pulled up with a hamstring injury within a minute of the restart.

The turning point came when United were awarded a penalty after Cunha went down under a challenge from Gianluca Mancini.

Bruno Fernandes saw his first effort saved by debutant goalkeeper Devis Vasquez, but VAR ordered a retake after Bryan Cristante encroached, and the captain scored the retake.

Bryan Mbeumo’s shot then hit both posts before United cleared it as They piled on the pressure.

Cunha then took center stage, sweeping home from close range after Leonardo Balerdi swung at the ball and missed.

The Brazilian then completed the turnaround, dancing through and smashing the ball in off the post from a tight angle to send Old Trafford wild.

Cunha was sent off soon after for a second yellow card, but it did little to spoil the home fans’ celebrations.

Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini suffered the same fate on his last visit to Old Trafford, when his Atalanta side threw away a two-goal lead.

Whether the result is enough to keep Carrick in his job beyond Sunday remains to be seen.