What happened
Manchester United came back from two goals down to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. Roma led 2-0 at half-time, and United looked beaten. Then the home side scored three times in the second half to take all three points.
Roma struck early. Matias Soule put the visitors ahead in the 11th minute after a fast break down the right, finishing past goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Six minutes later, Donyell Malen made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after Soule's shot hit the hand of Ayden Heaven.
United changed the game after the break. Bruno Fernandes pulled one back in the 58th minute, also from the penalty spot. His first attempt was saved by Roma goalkeeper Devis Vasquez, but the referee ordered a retake for encroachment and Fernandes scored at the second attempt.
The late drama belonged to Matheus Cunha. He levelled the score in the 83rd minute after Diogo Dalot crossed into the box, then won the game three minutes later. Substitute Shea Lacey fed him the ball, and Cunha took one touch before shooting in off the inside of the near post.
Cunha's night ended in strange fashion. He was booked for taking his shirt off while celebrating the winner, then sent off in the 90th minute for a second yellow card after a challenge on Leonardo Balerdi. United still held on for the win.
Why it matters
This was United's first win in 10 matches in all competitions, according to the match report. A run like that puts pressure on any manager, and head coach Michael Carrick needed a result. A comeback from 2-0 down in Europe gives him breathing room, at least for now.
The win also puts United in a good position to reach the Champions League knockout rounds. That is the practical prize here. A loss at home to Roma would have left the qualification picture tight and the mood around the club even worse.
For English football, the night added another dramatic result to a crowded week, after [Everton beat Newcastle 1-0](/article/everton-beat-newcastle-1-0-barry-jaissle-pressure) in the Premier League. Across Europe, late goals have also been deciding big ties, as [Mbappe's double sealed Real Madrid's late El Clasico win](/article/mbappe-double-seals-real-madrid-late-el-clasico-win-barcelona) at Barcelona.
The first half showed why United have struggled. Roma were organised, quick on the break, and repeatedly found space on United's right. Bryan Mbeumo hit both posts in the second half, and United went close from corners, but for long spells the comeback looked unlikely. The difference in the final half-hour was belief and direct running at a tiring Roma defence.
There was also a visible protest from the home support. Green and gold balloons were on display, and at 20 minutes and five seconds into the match, a reference to the Glazer takeover year of 2005, fans in the Stretford End threw tennis balls onto the pitch. The protest ran alongside the football, not instead of it, and the second-half comeback gave the crowd something to cheer.
What happens next
United will now look to build on this result rather than treat it as a one-off. The report identifies Sunday's home Premier League game against Aston Villa as the next test. A win there would turn one famous European night into a run of form. Another setback would quickly bring back the same questions.
Cunha will miss at least the next match through suspension after his red card, which is a real cost of the win. United will need another attacker to step up while he is out. Kobbie Mainoo's return to the starting side was a positive, and his burst forward helped set up the winner, so he is one player who could carry that momentum.
Roma, meanwhile, will rue letting a two-goal lead slip in the final seven minutes. They had controlled much of the first half and created chances for a third goal. Losing from that position will hurt their own hopes of a strong finish in the league phase, and they will need to respond in their next European game.
