Inside Man Utd: Romano reveals impact of Roma win on Carrick, Cunha and Bruno
Manchester United's dramatic Roma comeback has boosted Michael Carrick, but questions remain over the club's hierarchy, according to Fabrizio Romano’s latest update.
The Red Devils came out on top in a dramatic game against Roma in the Champions League, fighting back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and a late double from Matheus Cunha.
It was an evening that promises to have big implications for the future of them all, as Fabrizio Romano revealed.
“After a very long time, Manchester United have won a football game. It's their third win of the whole season. United have only won games at Old Trafford so far. The first was against Ipswich Town in the Premier League, then in the Champions League against Saba, and now they've beaten Roma in an incredible comeback on this Champions League night,” Romano told his YouTube channel.
“But there's more to mention about this game because we all saw what happened at Old Trafford, going from 2-0 down to 3-2 in the second half. It was a huge turnaround and a really important moment for United.
“This win means, first of all, one thing: Michael Carrick now continues his story as Manchester United coach. Michael Carrick will get more opportunities, including the next game, which, if I remember correctly, is against Aston Villa.
“Aston Villa's coach is Unai Emery, and I've told you several times here on the channel that Manchester United ideally consider Unai Emery a fantastic coach, probably the right man to be their ideal long-term manager.
“But I've also told you that Aston Villa have zero intention of letting Unai Emery leave now, midway through the season, or even in general. Aston Villa love Unai Emery, and the connection between everyone at the club and Unai is absolutely fantastic.
“At the moment, Unai leaving Aston Villa midway through the season is not at all likely or easy. Aston Villa want to continue with him, and Unai is very happy at Villa.
“But it's curious that the next game is Manchester United against Aston Villa. It's a big moment for Michael Carrick because beating Roma was absolutely crucial. Imagine losing another game at home. It would have been tough and really complicated for Michael Carrick to survive.
“For sure, the indication is that Carrick will now get more opportunities, and this game against Roma will help him build momentum.”
Carrick and Cunha settle rumours of Man Utd dressing-room problems
There were also encouraging signs from Manchester United's players, with Matheus Cunha's performance particularly significant given recent speculation.
“Several players' reactions at Manchester United have been very good, let me say. Matheus Cunha, there were rumours over recent weeks about problems between Cunha and Michael Carrick, but Cunha reacted today. He scored the crucial goals for Manchester United's comeback,” Romano continued.
“Also, many of you have asked me what happened in the final seconds of the game, when it was basically over and Michael Carrick went to speak to Matheus Cunha, telling him something during the celebrations after the match.
“According to my information, Carrick just wanted Cunha not to get involved in any trouble. He had already received a red card, and Carrick didn't want the situation to get worse. So he told Cunha: 'Let's go to the dressing room.'
“So there was nothing negative and no problems between them.”
Bruno Fernandes sends strong message after Man Utd benching
Bruno Fernandes also spoke after the victory over Roma, having previously criticised Carrick’s tactics following the defeat to Como.
“We also have to mention Bruno Fernandes. Bruno spoke, as he already did after the Como defeat, and he also spoke after this win against Roma,” Romano explained.
“He said: 'If the coach made a strong decision with me, it's because I deserved to be on the bench.'
“He's referring to the game against Bournemouth, when Bruno was on the bench. He said that whether it was for technical reasons, because he wasn't performing well, or whether it was because of his reaction after the Como game, Michael Carrick was right to put him on the bench.
“So Bruno was also sending a strong message after this game, telling everyone that he deserved not to be in the starting XI against Bournemouth.
“But then he said: 'Now we have to get back to it. We are a good side. We already showed last season how we can do special things. This can't disappear. We have to get back on track.'
“And then he said: 'I want to win every game.'
“So Bruno is also sending positive messages.”
Man Utd directors remain under scrutiny despite Roma victory
While the comeback represents an important step for Carrick, questions over Manchester United's wider leadership have not disappeared.
“On Manchester United, apart from this Roma game, we have to mention the general situation because, OK, Man Utd won the game, but we can't forget what happened so far, including in the first half,” Romano continued.
“And also the directors' position. Those who are making decisions are under scrutiny at Manchester United. That remains the case because it's still a very difficult situation at the club.
“Winning this game can help. Let's see what the reaction is going to be and what the next steps are, including against Aston Villa.
“But for sure, it's a situation we have to watch: the one involving the directors, not just the coach.
“So it was an important night for Man Utd and an important night for Michael Carrick. We will see what happens next in terms of developments.”
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