Nov 3, 2026 8:52 PM
Updated Nov 3, 2026 10:00 PM

Matheus Cunha’s second-half brace rescued the Reds from a disastrous start at Old Trafford, securing a chaotic comeback victory after trailing two goals at the interval.

Michael Carrick made two changes to his starting XI, dropping Lisandro Martínez from the defence while reinstating Kobbie Mainoo to the midfield, as Manchester United welcomed AS Roma to Old Trafford on a cold Champions League evening.

United started on the front foot, but Diogo Dalot's poor positioning after 11 minutes let Matias Soulé ghost into the area and hand the visitors an early lead. Minutes later, Ayden Hevaven's handball gave away a penalty, which Donyell Malen converted to make it 2-0.

With United once again in a shocking position, the side looked disorganized and sluggish in attack, heading into half-time two goals down... again.

After 55 minutes, United had a penalty. Bruno Fernandes saw his first effort saved, but after the referee retook it for encroachment, he buried it. Seconds later, Bryan Mbeumo hit both posts, but the ball didn't cross the line. It was a mental few minutes.

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Roma did well to stave off an onslaught of United attacks, but in the 82nd minute, Fernandes swung in a poorly defended cross, allowing Matheus Cunha to pounce and level the score from close range.

Minutes later, substitute Shea Lacey, who was incredible once he came on, then fed the Brazilian through, who fired a stunning strike to the near post to secure a 3=2 lead with five minutes to play.

Cunha was then sent off in added time for a second yellow card, but despite being reduced to 10 men, the Reds found the willpower to see out a stunning comeback European victory.

United player ratings vs Roma

Senne Lammens – 5/10

Could have closed the angle better on the first goal; the second was a penalty. Some good saves in the second half.

Leny Yoro – 7/10

Looking more solid and experienced with every game, quietly having a good season with another positive game under his belt.

Harry Maguire – 5/10

Poor in the first half but was part of United gaining momentum in the second half.

Ayden Heaven – 6/10

Unlucky with the penalty, as he was covering for Dalot, but he actually defended pretty well. Still a little reckless with a few of his challenges.

Diogo Dalot – 0/10

Awful positioning for Roma's first two goals. Was on the halfway line for the first, and was out of place again a few minutes later, which forced Heaven to block the shot and led to a penalty. Slowed down every attack.

Carlos Baleba – 5/10

A few sloppy passes, but good runs with the ball at his feet. Absolutely awful to see him pull his hamstring early in the second half.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6/10

Some good driving runs in midfield, but passing coudl be better.

Bruno Fernandes – 5/10

A very poor first half and lucky to retake his penalty. Did score it and created CUnha's first, so credit for that, but he must improve his overall game.

Amad – 3/10

As in the Chelsea game, he took far too long to decide inside Roma's area. Cost United a good few chances.

Bryan Mbeumo – 25/10

An incredibly unlucky miss after Fernandes' penalty, 

Matheus Cunha – 7/10

Nothing in the first half, but was utterly influential in the second. On the penalty, Fernandes scored, was in the right place for his first goal, and scored a wonderstrike for the second. Hilarious that he was then sent off via two yellow cards.

Substitutes

Youri Tielemans – 6/10

Shea Lacey – 9/10

Absolutely phenomenal when he came on. Wow.

Lisandro Martínez – 6/10

Matthijs de Ligt – N/A

Mason Mount – N/A

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