Cunha magic lifts United in Roma thriller

Matchwinner Ex-Sittener Cunha delivered a magical moment at Trafford, giving Manchester United a fleeting lift despite the club’s ongoing turmoil, and Trafford ManUniteds witnessed a rare spark that briefly lifted the Red Devils.

Cunha's decisive actions

Manchester United, struggling, gets a small relief thanks to Matheus Cunha.

After his goal to make it 3‑2, Cunha takes off his shirt and is later sent off from the Platz.

Reuters journalist Jason Cairnduff reported United coach Michael Carrick saying the stadium can do incredible, almost magical things after the win over AS Roma.

Manchester had just at Old Trafford, also called the Theatre of Dreams, produced an unlikely comeback in the second half.

Carrick said he talked at half‑time about how the atmosphere can change, a single moment turning everything upside down.

The Old Trafford experience recalled the dramatic European comebacks under Alex Ferguson.

Fans expressed anger at the owners by inflating yellow and green balloons, the club’s original colours.

After 17 minutes, AS Roma’s Matias Soulé and Donyell Malen had put United 2‑0 down, prompting fears of another disaster.

Cunha double seals United's first win since September

It was the first occasion a team had scored two early goals at Old Trafford in a European competition.

In the second half, ex‑Sion player Matheus Cunha delivered a strong performance.

Around the hour mark, Cunha earned a penalty which Bruno Fernandes converted after a second attempt.

Shortly after, Cunha supplied a clever through‑ball to Bryan Mbeumo, who hit both posts.

In the closing phase, Cunha capitalised on a sloppy Roman defensive error to make it 2‑2 at 83 minutes.

He then scored a powerful shot from a narrow angle to win at 86 minutes.

The 27‑year‑old Cunha received a yellow‑red and was sent off shortly before the end.

Bruno Fernandes turns saved penalty into United's turning point

AS Roma suffered their second season defeat.

Earlier, Italian sides in the Champions League had surrendered a two‑goal lead at home in a 3‑4 loss to Real Madrid.

Manchester secured the long‑awaited relief.

United's broader picture

Coach Michael Carrick, after the weakest start to United’s season, has faced possible dismissal for days and weeks.

Fans agree the problem lies not with the coach but with the club’s management, though the coach is easier to replace.