Cunha wins it then sent off in United comeback
Manchester United secured a dramatic 3‑2 comeback win over Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday, but the celebration turned chaotic when Brazil striker Matheus Cunha, who had just netted the winner, was shown a second yellow in injury time and had to be escorted down the tunnel by head coach Michael Carrick.
Cunha was booked for removing his shirt after scoring the winner before receiving a second caution for a foul on Leonardo Balerdi. He then remained on an advertising board to watch the final minutes rather than heading to the dressing‑room.
First‑half incident
When he tried to join his teammates on the pitch to celebrate, United’s backroom staff attempted to stop him. Carrick stepped in and ordered Cunha to leave the stadium via the tunnel.
“I was disappointed with how it finished, but again it just shows how much he cares and is willing to do,” Carrick said. He added that Cunha had earned the penalty which allowed Bruno Fernandes to fire United back into the game early in the second half.
“When he’s in that frame of mind, he’s in that mood and he plays like that, that’s what we want from him. Matheus can do those things, you know. He’s got those moments,” Carrick explained. “We put him inside and swapped him with Bryan at half‑time to try and get him in the middle of the pitch, give us a different shape, and he found himself in good positions.”
Wayne Rooney condemns Bruno Fernandes as United overturn Roma deficit
He repeated his disappointment, saying, “I’m disappointed with how it finished but it shows how much he cares.” It remains to be seen whether Cunha will face further UEFA sanction beyond the ban for United’s next Champions League tie against Sporting Lisbon in November.
The incident echoed a March 2025 episode when Cunha, then with Wolves, was escorted down the tunnel after being sent off in an FA Cup defeat by Bournemouth following a clash with Milos Kerkez. After that earlier incident he received an additional one‑match ban and a £50,000 fine for his behaviour.
Second‑half comeback
United found themselves two goals down after just 17 minutes against Roma, who had not lost in their ten Serie A matches that season. A nine‑game winless run had left Carrick’s job under pressure and a poor start threatened another defeat.
The side rallied in the second half, displaying the character and class missing from a campaign that had previously produced only two wins in all competitions. Captain Bruno Fernandes began the fightback by converting a penalty early in the second half.
United comeback lifts Carrick weight in Roma win
Cunha then struck twice within three minutes, turning the tie on its head. The comeback secured United’s victory and gave Carrick a much‑needed morale boost as he fights to preserve his position.
The night will be remembered by Old Trafford supporters as an unforgettable comeback, while Carrick breathed a little easier after the unlikely success. The story was filed by CHRIS WHEELER of NORTHERN on 3 November, highlighting the dramatic comeback.