UCL: Fernandes And Cunha Lead Man Utd Revival In Dramatic Roma Comeback
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| Cunha double rescues Man Utd in five-goal thriller against Roma |
From boos at half-time to bedlam at full-time, Manchester United recovered from 2-0 down to beat Roma 3-2 in a chaotic Champions League night at Old Trafford inspired by Matheus Cunha's match-winning double.
Cunha brace completes epic Champions League comeback at Old Trafford...
Matheus Cunha inspired Manchester United to a stunning comeback against Roma in the Champions League as Michael Carrick eased the growing pressure on his position with a 3-2 win from 2-0 down, denying the Italian side a first-ever Champions League away victory in England in the process.
Getting through the opening two minutes unscathed was a minor victory for United after trailing at that stage in their last two European outings, but their relief was short-lived as AS Roma broke the deadlock after just 11 minutes.
It was a simple goal too, coming after United lost possession in midfield. One defence-splitting pass from Rodrigo Mora opened up the backline, and Matias Soule did the rest to slot past Senne Lammens from inside the area.
It quickly unravelled for United from there, as they found themselves two goals down moments later.
Ayden Heaven was penalised for handling Soule's effort inside the box, and Donyell Malen made no mistake from the spot, coolly converting his fourth Champions League goal of the season. It was the earliest a visiting team has ever scored twice at Old Trafford in major European competition.
In response, Michael Carrick's men offered very little and were fortunate not to go three down before the break. Lammens got down well to his right to push away a stinging Malen drive destined for the corner, before Soule curled an effort just wide with the last kick of the half - a half that unsurprisingly ended with United being booed off.
United started the second half on the front foot and were awarded a penalty when Matheus Cunha was tripped by Gianluca Mancini.
Bruno Fernandes saw his initial spot-kick saved, but after Bryan Cristante encroached into the area before clearing the rebound, a retake was ordered. There was no reprieve for the Giallorossi second time around as Fernandes found the net.
An incredible Manchester United comeback at Old Trafford 🔴 #UCL https://t.co/F4ISlMiMlv
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 3, 2026
Almost straight from the restart, Bryan Mbeumo was slipped in behind and came within inches of levelling, with his effort striking the inside of both posts before bouncing clear.
United then had strong penalty appeals turned down when Harry Maguire was manhandled at the far post, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano waved them away as the Red Devils continued to pile pressure on the Roma goal.
Their push for an equaliser finally paid off seven minutes from time when Cunha pounced on a mistake from Leonardo Balerdi to turn home Fernandes' cross for what had seemed an unlikely leveller, setting up a grandstand finish.
POTM: Bruno Fernandes 🏆 #UCL https://t.co/CIirJ5kCZ4
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 3, 2026
It proved to be a fairytale ending for United, who snatched the winner moments later when Cunha was slipped in by Shea Lacey and squeezed a powerful effort home at the near post. It was a goal that could prove crucial for Carrick's future ahead of Sunday's clash with Aston Villa, only for the Brazilian to be brought back down to earth when he was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge in stoppage time.
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