Manchester United Stage A Mighty Comeback to Beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford
Manchester United recovered from two goals down to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. It was their first win in 10 games.
A Terrible First Half for United But A Great One for Roma
United started badly. Roma punished a gap left by Diogo Dalot pushing forward, and Matías Soulé finished unmarked after only 11 minutes. Donyell Malen added a second from the penalty spot after a handball by Ayden Heaven, and United were 2-0 down inside 17 minutes.
Tennis Balls And A Protest At Old Trafford
The mood around Old Trafford was already tense. Hundreds of green and gold balloons were released as the players came out, a nod to the club’s original colours and a protest against the Glazer family’s ownership. Then, in the 21st minute, tennis balls rained down from the Stretford End, halting play until the players cleared them.
The protest had been planned and flagged on social media earlier in the day, and it was timed for 21 minutes to mark 21 years of the Glazers’ ownership. It caused only a brief delay, with a small number of balls thrown and quickly removed by the players. Supporters also directed their anger at co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos staff.
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Captain Bruno Ignites The Fightback
The turnaround began with captain Bruno Fernandes. He scored from the penalty spot in the 58th minute after his first effort was saved and the kick was retaken. Bryan Mbeumo then hit both posts with one shot, and the noise inside Old Trafford rose. Fernandes led by example, which was heartening for United.
Cunha Nails Comeback And Roma
Matheus Cunha scored twice in three minutes. His 83rd-minute equaliser was set up by Fernandes. His winner in the 86th minute came from a pass by Shea Lacey, and he thumped it in off the inside of the near post.
Red Card Drama In The End
Cunha received a yellow card for his first goal in the 83rd minute and a second in stoppage time, so he was sent off. United held on with ten men to take the three points.
What It Means
Fans who had been protesting were celebrating by the end. The win eases some of the pressure on Michael Carrick, and it lifts United to 17th in the league phase table. For Roma, who wasted a two-goal lead and conceded three in the second half, it was a damaging defeat and the Serie A side fall to 19th.
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