Manchester United came back from two goals behind to defeat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, ending a run of nine matches without a victory. Matheus Cunha scored twice after the break, and Bruno Fernandes pulled one back from a twice-taken penalty, according to NRK.
The result arrived after a first half in which the home side conceded early and then watched its own supporters throw tennis balls and other objects onto the pitch. United had lost 1-4 to Italian side Como in their previous Champions League outing.
Why it matters
The comeback eases pressure on manager Michael Carrick, whose position had been described as under severe strain. NRK reports that United sit 17th in the Premier League with seven points from nine games, a start that has drawn talk of a relegation battle.
Speaking to TV 2, Fernandes said confidence in the squad is currently low and that the team has not been producing its best football. He described the late turnaround as something special for the players.
Youri Tielemans told Amazon Prime that the second half showed strong team spirit and that the players are continuing to fight for Carrick and for the club. He said he hopes the side can build on the win.
A nightmare start and a furious crowd
Roma took the lead after eleven minutes. Kobbie Mainoo lost possession in midfield, the visitors capitalised on the error, and Matías Soulé put them ahead. TV 2 commentator Øyvind Alsaker said the optimism around Old Trafford had been shattered inside those opening minutes, as reported by NRK.
Seven minutes later Ayden Heaven handled the ball inside the penalty area, and Donyell Malen converted from the spot to make it 2-0. The home supporters responded by throwing objects onto the field. Alsaker described a mood of full crisis at the club and said there was unrest among the home fans at the Stretford End.
Former England international Alan Shearer, working as a pundit for Amazon Prime, gave a bleak assessment at half-time. He said there were no signs of improvement, that both the manager and the club's directors were under heavy pressure, and that the club had fallen a long way. He also argued United had to be placed in the category of teams at risk of relegation from the Premier League, noting their position near the bottom of the table.
How the second half turned
United were awarded a penalty in the 55th minute, but Roma goalkeeper Devis Vásquez saved Fernandes's attempt. Because Bryan Cristante had entered the area too early, the kick was ordered retaken, and Fernandes scored at the second attempt.
Shortly afterwards Bryan Mbeumo struck both posts in a single attack. Cunha then equalised in the 83rd minute, and he scored again a few minutes later, removing his shirt and jumping in among the celebrating supporters. Alsaker described it as complete delirium — two goals and a comeback — followed by a reckless challenge that earned the scorer a booking.
After the final whistle Shearer told Amazon Prime that football is sometimes a wild game. Former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock told the BBC he was pleased for Carrick, saying the manager had struggled because he could not be sure whom he could rely on in the dressing room, but that the players had shown they are willing to fight.
NRK reports that Michael Dawson, speaking to Sky Sports, said he would like to know what Carrick said to his players at half-time.
United's next task is to carry the second-half performance into their upcoming fixtures, with the club's league position still the central concern.
