Carrick's Manchester United stage stunning Roma comeback after retaken penalty sparks revival
Manchester United recovered from 2-0 down to beat Roma at Old Trafford, with a retaken Bruno Fernandes penalty and two late Matheus Cunha goals ending a nine-match winless run and easing pressure on head coach Michael Carrick.
Manchester United produced a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down to beat Roma at Old Trafford, ending a run of nine games without a win and relieving some of the pressure on head coach Michael Carrick. The turning point came when Bruno Fernandes saw an initial penalty saved, only for the video assistant referee to order a retake because Bryan Cristante's foot had entered the area. Fernandes converted the second attempt, and Matheus Cunha then scored twice in the final seven minutes. Cunha was sent off soon afterwards, making for a nervous finish, but United held on.
Carrick's side had been abysmal in the first half, drawing condemnation from former United figures Wayne Rooney and Nicky Butt, who were covering the game. Rooney urged the players to show passion and desire after what he called a "nothing" first half, but later praised Carrick, saying whatever he said at the break got the team on the front foot and restored their belief. Carrick said his half-time message was about staying positive rather than feeling sorry for themselves, and spoke of wanting one moment to flip the direction of the whole place.
The win does not erase wider problems. 'Green and gold' protests against the ownership took place before kick-off and during the first half, with chants directed at the Glazer family, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of football Jason Wilcox. The article also notes that United previously came from behind to beat Atalanta under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only to lose 5-0 to Liverpool four days later, and that Jose Mourinho survived a similar comeback against Newcastle in 2018 but lasted only 13 more games.
Reaction to the result was mixed. Former Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said the second half was papering over the cracks of the first and that United must use it as a benchmark, stressing the need for everyone to be on the same page. Former England defender Stephen Warnock took a more positive view, arguing the comeback showed the team are fighting for the manager and calling it a perfect night for Carrick.
Carrick declined to say the win had bought him time, telling Amazon Prime he has no crystal ball and that attention turns to the weekend game against Aston Villa. He also admitted the victory would not help him sleep better, saying he felt pleased for the players rather than relieved. Chief executive Omar Berrada and Wilcox looked far happier at the final whistle than midway through the first half, and United now appear capable of qualifying for the next phase of the Champions League.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
