Carrick's Roma comeback echoes past Man Utd wins that failed to spark revival
Manchester United's dramatic 3-2 win over Roma gave Michael Carrick a vital result, but similar comebacks under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not lead to sustained success, and a tough test against Aston Villa looms.
Michael Carrick's Manchester United produced a stirring late comeback to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League, transforming a hostile Old Trafford atmosphere into one of celebration. The victory ended a nine-game wait for a win and eased pressure on Carrick, who cautioned: "It's one win, so we're not getting too carried away."
The result inevitably revived memories of two previous 3-2 comebacks that also seemed to buy time for under-fire managers. In October 2018, Jose Mourinho's United came from two goals down to beat Newcastle 3-2, with Juan Mata and Alexis Sanchez scoring late. Mourinho survived but was sacked 10 weeks later after a poor run.
In October 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side beat Atalanta 3-2 after trailing 2-0 at half-time, Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the winner. That win was followed by a 5-0 home defeat to Liverpool and Solskjaer was dismissed three weeks later after a 4-1 loss at Watford.
Carrick faces a similar challenge: neither Mourinho nor Solskjaer could follow their dramatic wins with another victory. United host Aston Villa on Sunday and could be bottom of the Premier League by kick-off if results go against them. Defeat would leave them in the relegation zone and facing severe criticism at Liverpool on 22 November.
United have won their past six home matches against Villa in all competitions and have lost just two league games against them at Old Trafford since 1983. Carrick's future has not been decided, but the club hierarchy may use the upcoming international break to assess the situation. Some supporters have expressed frustration, but the win over Roma offered temporary relief.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
