Manchester United produce incredible second-half comeback to beat Roma

Manchester United dragged themselves off the canvas to come back from two goals down and record a sensational Champions League win over Roma at Old Trafford. United seemed finished, and head coach Michael Carrick looked destined for the sack, after Roma scored twice in six first-half minutes through Matias Soule and a Donyell Malan penalty. The goals turned the atmosphere inside Old Trafford venomous.

Fans threw green tennis balls onto the pitch as a further sign of protest against the club’s ownership. Green and gold balloons were released as the teams came out, and fans chanted songs against the Glazer family, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and director of football Jason Wilcox. United’s evening got even worse when £70m midfielder Carlos Baleba suffered a hamstring injury that looks set to keep him out for a period of time.

But from the depths of despair, United rallied. Skipper Bruno Fernandes kept his nerve to drive home a twice-taken penalty after a Roma player entered the area. Then, after a Bryan Mbeumo shot had hit both posts, Matheus Cunha capitalised on Leonardo Balerdi’s error to equalise, before the Brazilian drilled home a shot from an acute angle four minutes from time.

Cunha was sent off for a second booking as the game entered stoppage time but in front of a frenzied crowd, United survived to end their nine-game wait for a victory. Magnificent Man Utd – how they rated Starting XI Senne Lammens: Powerless to stop the damage unfolding in front of him. Good save from Malen towards end of first-half which proved crucial. 6 Leny Yoro: Vital tackle to prevent a third Roma goal before the break.

Not finding it easy at all to operate in this team in an unfamiliar position. 5 Harry Maguire (off De Ligt, 88): Needed a big performance and began strongly but it all caved in around him. Still tried to lead and it worked out well in the end. 6 Ayden Heaven (off Martinez, 75): Noticeable there was plenty of talking between the 20-year-old and Maguire but confidence seemed to be affected as Roma took control.

Penalty conceded as he tried to make a despairing block and yellow card for a desperate tackle. 5 Diogo Dalot: Caught way out of position when United lost the ball in midfield as Matias Soule scored and it happened again for the second. Playing on the wrong side but just not working out. Did nearly score with a second-half header. 5 Carlos Baleba (off 50, Tielemans): Pass straight out of play at the end of the first half said a lot about the pressure he was feeling.

Raced into box at start of the second half and pulled his hamstring. Looks a bad one. 5 Kobbie Mainoo: Crowd favourite, who drew a positive reaction with early passes and tackles. Lost possession in own half as Roma went in front. Held it together in midfield to ensure night had a happy ending. 7 Amad Diallo (off Lacey, 75): Looks good in flashes but end product virtually non-existent.

Not finding it easy. 5 Bruno Fernandes (off Mount, 88): Clearly annoyed at how the game turned out but plenty of bottle for the penalty retake after missing first one. 7 Matheus Cunha: Effort couldn’t be faulted as he tried to create but it didn’t result in anything until he forced a penalty. Pass to Mbeumo almost created equaliser. Then he scored twice and got a red card in quite an ending. 8 Bryan Mbeumo: Worked hard to create but no actual service in first-half.

Wasn’t quick enough when did have clear ground in front of him. So unlucky with second-half shot that came off both posts. 6 Subs Youri Tielemans (on 50, Baleba): Introduction coincided with the trigger for massive team improvement. 6 Lisandro Martinez (on 75, Heaven): 6 Shea Lacey (on 75, Amad): 7 Mason Mount (on 88, Bruno Fernandes): 7 Matthijs De Ligt (on 88, Maguire) 6 Not used: Darlow, Heaton, Amass, Mazraoui, Andrey Santos, T Fletcher, Zirkzee.