Manchester United came from 2-0 down to beat Roma at Old Trafford, ending a run of nine matches without a win and giving head coach Michael Carrick some respite after a difficult few weeks. Whether the comeback will be a turning point—or buy Carrick more time—remains unclear.
The match appeared to be slipping away when Bruno Fernandes’ first penalty was saved, with United trailing by two goals. VAR advised that the kick be retaken after Bryan Cristante was judged to have encroached on the penalty area. Fernandes converted his second attempt, and Matheus Cunha scored twice in the final seven minutes to complete an unlikely turnaround. Cunha was sent off soon afterwards, making for a tense finish, but United held on.
Carrick said he urged the players at half-time to stay positive rather than become frustrated. He told them to keep looking for the next opportunity, adding that one moment could change the direction of the match. He said he remained calm after the initial penalty was saved because he sensed the players still believed something could happen.
Former United striker Wayne Rooney praised Carrick’s response, saying the half-time message had helped the team attack with belief. Rooney had criticised the first-half display alongside former United midfielder Nicky Butt, while pundits also questioned the lack of passion and effort before the break.
The win does not erase the wider problems surrounding the club. Protests against the ownership took place before kick-off and during the first half, with supporters chanting against the Glazer family, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of football Jason Wilcox. United have also faced public criticism in recent weeks from players including Lisandro Martinez and Fernandes.
There are precedents for a dramatic Old Trafford comeback failing to change a manager’s fortunes. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side beat Atalanta 3-2 before losing 5-0 to Liverpool four days later; Solskjaer was dismissed within a month. Jose Mourinho also survived for 13 more matches after United came from behind to beat Newcastle in 2018.
Carrick said he could not predict what would happen next and pointed to the upcoming match against Aston Villa as the team’s immediate focus. He said the victory brought him genuine happiness for the players, but not relief. United’s ability to carry the momentum into that game will help determine what the Roma result means for Carrick and his side.
Sources: BBC Sport.