Cunha sent off after rescuing United against Roma
Matheus Cunha United turned the tie on its head as the Red Devils edged Roma at Old Trafford, securing a 3‑2 victory in the fourth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage and moving to six points in 17th place. Esporte News Mundo reported the thrilling encounter.
Early Roma pressure and opening goal
Roma dominated the opening exchanges, using speed and quick ball inversions and almost opened the scoring when Cristante launched a ball to Rensch, who was in an irregular position. At the 10th minute, Rodrigo Mora found Soulé, who beat Lammens to give Roma the lead.
Roma double lead and United’s missed chances
Five minutes later, Wesley’s pass to Mora created a penalty after a shot was blocked by Heaven’s arm; MALEN converted to double the advantage. At the 21st minute Rensch left the field with an injury and was replaced by Lulli. United’s De Roon and Balerdi each had early chances but failed to find the net, and Bruno Fernandes’ wayward effort at the 43rd minute was United’s first serious threat.
Gasperini’s half‑time change and United’s penalty drama
Half‑time saw Gianpiero Gasperini withdraw Mora for the more defensive Pisilli, prompting Roma to sit deeper. At the 50th minute Bruno Fernandes delivered a pass to Baleba, who collided with goalkeeper Vásquez, injuring his thigh and being replaced by Tielemans. Minutes later Mancini fouled Cunha on the left, awarding United a penalty which BRUNO FERNANDES missed as Vásquez saved.
Cunha’s heroics and red card
The referee ordered a retake after Cristante entered the area early; FERNANDES again struck the cross‑bar. United pressed on, with Cunha linking up with Mbeumo, whose effort hit both posts. At the 82nd minute Cunha received on the right and launched a powerful shot that beat Vásquez, equalising for United. He celebrated by removing his shirt before committing a hard foul on Balerdi and being sent off.
Soulé and Malen put Roma in control at Old Trafford
Final moments and points tally
Roma’s late attempt saw Castro head a ball that was ruled out for offside, and the match finished with a spectacular United win. The result lifted United to six points in 17th place, while Roma remain on four points in 19th.
Italian report adds timing details
According to the Italian account, Cunha’s decisive strike came in the 86th minute after a perfect pass from Lacey, and an earlier goal at the 83rd minute followed a long‑range cross from Balerdi. Bruno Fernandes had put United ahead at the 58th minute, with his penalty initially saved and then retaken after Cristante’s early entry. Donyell MALEN gave Roma the lead at the 18th minute and Matías Soulé scored at the 11th minute.
Team line‑ups and injury updates
Roma goalkeeper Gollini was unavailable with a back problem, so Vásquez started between the posts. The Roma attack featured Mora, MALEN and Soulé, while the defence included Balerdi, Mancini and Hermoso, with Rensch and Wesley on the flanks and Cristante‑De Roon in midfield. MANCHESTER United’s forward line was led by Mbeumo, supported by Diallo, FERNANDES and Cunha moving across the front.
Wayne Rooney condemns Bruno Fernandes as United overturn Roma deficit
Inter coach’s comment on Champions League
Inter coach Cristian Chivu said, "I believe in the work, in what this team has shown so far. We are champions and we have demonstrated that. There are negative episodes and errors from which we must learn, accept and move forward with confidence," ahead of their match with Feyenoord.