Michael Carrick finally ended his ten-game winless run as Manchester United produced a sensational second-half comeback to defeat AS Roma 3-2 in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

Despite a positive opening, United found themselves two goals behind within 18 minutes. Matias Soulé took advantage of poor positioning from Diogo Dalot to break the deadlock before Donyell Malen converted from the spot after Ayden Heaven conceded a penalty for handball.

Carrick's side offered little response before half-time, but Bruno Fernandes gave United hope ten minutes after the restart, scoring a retaken penalty. Bryan Mbeumo then somehow struck both posts with the same effort before Matheus Cunha eventually drew the Reds level in the 82nd minute.

The Brazilian completed the remarkable turnaround minutes later, firing a superb near-post finish past the Roma goalkeeper after substitute Shea Lacey played it through. Cunha was subsequently dismissed in added time, but United held on to claim a much-needed European victory.

Following the stunning win against AS Roma, the main talking point immediately shifted to Carrick and whether the victory has strengthened his case for keeping him in the head-coaching seat beyond the international break.

After a nine-game winless run, Carrick's men finally showed some grit and determination to fight back after going 2-0 down for the sixth time this season, quashing continued rumours that the players are disillusioned with their manager.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the win over the Serie A side will ensure Carrick gets "more opportunities" to remain at United, including the fixture against Villa.

“After a very long time, Manchester United have won a football game," Romano explained. "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 Sabah, and now they’ve beaten Roma in an incredible comeback on this Champions League night.

“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."

He continued, saying, "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.”

It was always expected that Carrick would be given until at least the international break to prove himself worthy of continuing as United's head coach, but Romano's words suggest the decision may already have been made to keep him on beyond that month.

However, in a twist, Romano also confirmed that Carrick is not the only man at Old Trafford in danger of losing his job. United's directors, namly CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox, are in the firing line.

While on-pitch problems are often blamed on the manager, there has been increasing focus on United's decision-makers and their poor handling of the club since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as co-owner in 2024.

They have had three managers in three seasons so far, and Romano was quick to explain that United's directors are a situation to watch if the club cannot revitalise their form in the coming weeks.

“On Manchester United, apart from this Roma game, we have to mention the general situation because, OK, Man United won the game, but we can’t forget what happened so far, including in the first half," Romano said.

“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 United and an important night for Michael Carrick. We will see what happens next in terms of developments.”