Manchester United look dead and buried but still win after a stunning comeback
The crisis at Manchester United appears to have eased somewhat. Michael Carrick's side looked set for another defeat against AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, only to fight back from 2-0 down to win 3-2. It was a major boost for the under-fire manager and his players.
AS Roma showed no concern for Manchester United's problems and took the lead after just eleven minutes. Rodrigo Mora picked out Matias Soule perfectly, and Soule found the net. Things got worse for the home side when Ayden Heaven handled the ball in the penalty area and Donyell Malen converted the spot-kick: 0-2.
Manchester United struggled to make the Champions League match competitive again after that disastrous start. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes all tried without success. AS Roma, whose side included Marten de Roon as well as Malen, who was booked for a heavy tackle, reached half-time fairly comfortably, though Soule's shot against the post left them frustrated.
After the break, Gianluca Mancini fouled a Manchester United player and the officials awarded a penalty. Fernandes went for the left corner, but watched in dismay as goalkeeper Devis Vásquez guessed correctly. The officials ordered a retake, and Fernandes scored from the spot.
The home side began to believe they could get a good result, only to hit the post twice in quick succession. Devis Vásquez then saved a shot from Cunha, and Harry Maguire was booked for a heavy challenge.
In the closing stages, Manchester United kept fighting and got their reward. Cunha equalised from a Fernandes pass and, three minutes later, scored the winner. Old Trafford erupted at the comeback by Carrick's beleaguered side. Cunha also received his second yellow card for a foul in stoppage time.
Manchester United's fans finally had something to cheer at the final whistle. Another test at home follows on Saturday against Aston Villa, who lost 3-0 away to FC Barcelona on Tuesday.
