Man Utd v AS Roma
Play By Play
Could that be the moment things turn around for Michael Carrick?! His Manchester United side have recovered from 2-0 down to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory over Roma. The Red Devils end a run of nine winless matches following a game of two halves at Old Trafford. United, who had a 2.72 xG to their opponents' 1.53, found themselves 2-0 down inside the opening 18 minutes. An unmarked Matias Soule slotted past Senne Lammens in the 11th minute. Donyell Malen then doubled the lead from the penalty spot seven minutes later, after Ayden Heaven handled Soule's shot. Yet the hosts were much-improved after the break. They were handed a lifeline when Bruno Fernandes halved the deficit with his retaken penalty in the 58th minute, after his initial effort was saved by debutant Devis Vasquez in the Roma goal. Matheus Cunha, deemed to be fouled for the awarding of that penalty, then dragged United back on level terms in the 83rd minute, pouncing on Leonardo Balerdi's failed clearance to tuck away from close range. The Brazilian then completed the turnaround three minutes later, lashing past Vasquez from a tight angle to send the home fans, who booed the team off at half-time, into raptures. Carrick was given a nervy finish when Cunha was sent off for two bookable offences early in stoppage time, but his side held on for what could be the victory that saves his skin for now. Next up for him and United is a home clash with Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday. The previous day, Roma will seek a response when they host Sassuolo in Serie A. Thanks for joining us on a dramatic day at Old Trafford. We hope you've enjoyed it. Until next time, goodbye!
FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 3-2 ROMA
Roma surrendered a 3-1 lead with eight minutes to play against Real Madrid, who beat them 4-3 on matchday two. The Giallorossi were 2-0 up here, and have thrown it away. They go in search of an equaliser, but the offside flag goes up against Castro. Can United hold on?
It's now advantage Roma, who have the extra man for the remainder of stoppage time. Can the Giallorossi salvage a point?
CUNHA'S OFF! UNITED ARE DOWN TO 10 MEN! That makes for an interesting finale! Cunha, who was booked after scoring what could be the winner, is late with his sliding challenge on Balerdi. The referee shows no hesitation in producing a second yellow card, and he can have few complaints. The hosts are set for an agonising wait for the final whistle...
We're going to play five additional minutes, as indicated by the fourth official. Can United hold on, or can Roma spoil the party?
Fernandes is also given a breather, with Mount replacing him for the last few minutes.
United make two changes. Maguire's limping as he makes way to be replaced by De Ligt.
Cunha removed his shirt to celebrate his goal, so it's not surprising to see him receive a yellow card.
Silky footwork from Lacey created the opportunity for Cunha, who took it superbly to complete the turnaround.
IT'S CUNHA AGAIN!!! JUST WOW! 3-2 UNITED! To his credit, he's done everything in his power to rally the home fans today. United attack down the right, and Lacey cuts inside before threading the ball into Cunha. Despite the tight angle, he puts his foot through the ball, and it flashes past the goalkeeper via the inside of the near post. They've come from behind to lead at Old Trafford!
Suddenly, there's a completely different feeling inside Old Trafford! The fans who booed them off at half-time are now in full voice. Could they now go on and find a winner...?
UNITED HAVE DONE IT!!! CUNHA MAKES IT 2-2! It's a howler from Balerdi! The Roma defender should deal with Fernandes' cross, but completely misses the ball with his attempted clearance. The ball falls perfectly for Cunha, who makes no mistake from close range. The hosts have recovered from 2-0 down to square things up here.
We're into the final 10 minutes at Old Trafford. United have lost a bit of momentum, but there's still time for them to potentially find an equaliser.
Castro's first involvement sees him caught in the face by Maguire's trailing arm. The United defender goes into the book for his troubles.
The visitors also make a change up front, with Malen given a breather and replaced by Castro.
Another defensive change sees Ndicka introduced in place of Hermoso. Gasperini's clearly looking to shut up shop.
Roma also make a couple of changes. Mancini comes on in place of Ghilardi in the first of them.
There's a much more positive reception for Lacey, who replaces Amad for the final quarter of an hour.
Martinez, who was sent off in such irresponsible fashion on Saturday, enters the field to a mixed reception from the United fans. He replaces Heaven.
Tielemans tries to make something happen for United, as he seeks out Amad with a long ball. It's just out of his team-mate's reach, though, and runs through to the goalkeeper.
Heaven's a little late into his challenge on Soule, and his studs are raised. The referee shows the United defender a yellow card.
Maguire's in there again. The United defender looks to connect with another corner. He's in a tussle with Balerdi and wants a penalty, but the referee's not interested. A goal-kick's eventually awarded following review.
OFF THE LINE BY CRISTANTE! Maguire's header at the far post deflects behind for another corner. The second delivery leads to Dalot nodding the ball towards goal. However, Cristante's well-placed, and the Roma skipper can boot away off his own goal-line.
We're heading towards the final quarter of this contest. United are right back in this after Fernandes' penalty. Can they now go on and ensure they get something out of this game?
