Manchester United brought their nine-game winless stretch to a close with a spectacular 3-2 Champions League triumph over Roma at Old Trafford, staging a thrilling second-half turnaround following a dreadful opening spell.

Matheus Cunha emerged as the hero of the night, netting twice in the closing stages to transform what looked like a lost cause into an unforgettable European evening. The outcome gave Michael Carrick a vital lift, though the display also laid bare defensive frailties that keep threatening United’s ambitions.

Roma capitalises on Man United’s defensive lapses

Roma required just 11 minutes to seize control after Kobbie Mainoo surrendered possession in midfield. Matias Soule seized the chance, darting into the space behind Diogo Dalot before coolly dispatching past Senne Lammens.

United’s troubles quickly worsened when Soule was once more afforded too much freedom. His follow-up attempt struck Ayden Heaven’s arm, and Donyell Malen converted the resulting penalty to double Roma’s lead. It marked the first occasion United had shipped two goals so rapidly in a European fixture at Old Trafford.

Dalot’s positioning grew into a serious worry, his adventurous forward runs repeatedly exposing Heaven. Harry Maguire likewise found it difficult to instil calm into a backline that looked increasingly ill at ease against Roma’s attacking rotations.

Bruno Fernandes finally handed the hosts a glimmer of hope. Having seen his initial penalty kept out, the Portuguese playmaker was given a second chance due to encroachment and made no mistake with the retake.

Even so, the home crowd voiced their displeasure loudly as United trudged off at the break amid a barrage of jeers.

Cunha inspires Man United’s Champions League fightback

Carrick’s men emerged for the second half with a visibly altered mindset, ramping up their pressing and shifting the ball with far more purpose. United gradually seized control of the midfield and subjected Roma to relentless pressure.

Carlos Baleba nearly made his mark with an eye-catching solo surge, but an apparent hamstring issue forced him to withdraw. Youri Tielemans came on in his place and helped United gain a firmer grip in the centre of the park.

Cunha then took centre stage in the revival. His first goal came courtesy of a glaring defensive error from Roma, with the Brazilian pouncing swiftly to punish the visitors and draw United level.

The forward then produced an even finer finish to seal the turnaround. Bursting into the box, Cunha fired a ferocious strike that sparked jubilation around Old Trafford and put Carrick’s side 3-2 ahead.

Yet the Brazilian’s match-winning contribution was shadowed by late drama, as he was sent off during stoppage time.

Michael Carrick still faces defensive concerns despite win

The result delivers a significant psychological lift for Carrick, whose team had gone through a tough spell without victory. United displayed far greater attacking intent after the interval, while Cunha’s display supplied the individual quality required to claim all three points.

Roma, on the other hand, will be left ruing what might have been after letting a two-goal cushion slip. Their defensive errors and failure to handle United’s heightened intensity after the restart ultimately cost them dearly.

Despite the jubilation, Carrick cannot ignore the issues that surfaced during the first 45 minutes. United’s defensive shape remains a significant worry, especially when their full-backs advance and vacate space for opposing forwards.

The Champions League win could lay the groundwork for a resurgence, but United must show that the resolve and attacking flair displayed in the second half can become consistent features of their play.

Old Trafford has seen false dawns before, and Carrick will be well aware that one dramatic result cannot fix every flaw. Still, halting the nine-game winless run in such a manner hands his side something concrete to build on.