Manchester United secured a nail-biting 3-2 win over AS Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday in the Champions League. Bruno Fernandes scored from the spot before Matheus Cunha registered a brace to help the Red Devils pick up their first win in nine games across competitions.
Having suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea over the weekend, Michael Carrick made two changes to the team to face Roma. Lisandro Martinez was available for the game despite picking up a red card against the Blues.
However, he made way for Ayden Heaven, who partnered Harry Maguire at the back. The other change was Kobbie Mainoo replacing Andrey Santos in the middle of the park.
The Red Devils’ last victory across competitions this season arrived in the Champions League in September against Sabah. Carrick was hoping that the tournament could mark his team’s return to winning ways, and it turned out to be exactly that.
United showed fighting spirit
United had a strong start to the game, but went behind after a defensive lapse, with Matias Soule scoring in the 11th minute. Heaven then conceded a penalty which Donyell Malen dispatched in the 17th minute to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.
The Red Devils struggled to cope with the Serie A side in the first half and went into the break trailing in the game. However, the English giants came out with greater intent in the second half and found a breakthrough when Fernandes scored from the spot – on his second attempt – in the 58th minute.
Mbeumo then hit both posts as the home side continued to push for an equaliser. There was, though, a blockbuster ending to the game on the cards, courtesy of a Cunha masterclass.
The Brazilian scored the equaliser in the 83rd minute after a lapse at the back from the Italian side. Shea Lacey then set Cunha up for a magnificent finish, which put United 3-2 ahead. The 27-year-old, unfortunately, picked up his second yellow card late in the game and had to leave the pitch, but by then, he had managed to secure all three points for his team.
Matheus Cunha inspires United to a win
Cunha registered 63 touches of the ball and attempted 33 passes with 76% passing accuracy. He registered two key passes, created one big chance, and attempted one cross, which was not accurate.
The Brazilian showed his combative self on the pitch and was involved in 19 duels, the most among all players in the game, winning 10 of them. He gave the ball away 14 times, committed four fouls, and was fouled three times.
The 27-year-old also registered three tackles, but it was in the final third where he really made his presence felt. Cunha had three shots on target, had one shot blocked, and also won the penalty from which Fernandes scored.
The Brazilian attempted six dribbles, four of which were successful, and scored two goals to round off a fantastic night for United. Cunha turned out to be the architect of United’s much-needed win in midweek and gifted fans some sunshine after a torrid recent few weeks.
Featured image by Carl Recine via Getty Images
