Cunha Leads Manchester United Comeback Win Over Roma

Roma took control inside the opening 18 minutes. Matias Soulé scored after United lost possession and left space behind, then won a penalty that Donyell Malen converted after Harry Maguire’s clearance fell back to him and the ball struck Ayden Heaven’s arm. United reached halftime without a shot inside the penalty area, and Roma might have added to their lead.

The match shifted after the break. Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot on his second attempt, following a retake after Roma were penalized for encroachment. United pressed with greater urgency, and Bryan Mbeumo came close to equalizing when his effort hit both posts.

Matheus Cunha then turned the match around. He pounced after Roma defender Leonardo Balerdi failed to clear the ball cleanly, making it 2-2, before scoring again moments later from a tight angle. Shea Lacey helped set up the winning move. Cunha was later sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

The win ended United’s run of nine matches without a victory in all competitions and offered manager Michael Carrick a much-needed result. United had been booed at halftime, but the comeback revived the crowd at Old Trafford. The performance also left questions about the team’s poor first-half defending and why it had not shown the same intensity in recent matches.