Fernandes penalty retake sparks United comeback win
Simon Stone reported from Old Trafford that a VAR decision by Carlos del Cerro Grande to retake Bruno Fernandes’ penalty sparked a dramatic turnaround, as Manchester United, trailing Roma 2‑0, rallied to win and ease the pressure on head coach Michael Carrick.
Bryan Cristante’s foot brushed the penalty area as Bruno Fernandes prepared his initial spot‑kick, a moment that could have proved decisive for Michael Carrick.
At half‑time United were two goals down, a scenario that seemed catastrophic and potentially terminal for Carrick’s tenure.
Second‑half revival
VAR official Carlos del Cerro Grande intervened, ordering the penalty to be retaken. On the second attempt Bruno Fernandes scored, keeping his composure. In the closing stages Matheus Cunha added two goals within the final seven minutes. Cunha was sent off shortly after his brace, yet United secured their first win in ten matches.
Wayne Rooney condemns Bruno Fernandes as United overturn Roma deficit
Carrick later explained that at half‑time he urged his players to stay positive and avoid frustration. Wayne Rooney, covering the game for Amazon Prime, praised Carrick, saying he deserved credit for changing the team’s mindset.
Bruno Fernandes, as captain, remarked that no one needed to “save anyone’s job” after the victory. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recalled his own half‑time experience against Watford in September 2023, when United were also two goals down at Vicarage Road, Carrick was on the bench as a coach, and the side lost 4‑1.
Cunha sent off after rescuing United against Roma
Protesters displayed “green and gold” signs before kick‑off and during the first half, chanting against the Glazer family, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of football Jason Wilcox. The win does not erase broader concerns, as United had previously come from behind to beat Atalanta 3‑2 at Old Trafford under Solskjaer and then suffered a 5‑0 home defeat to Liverpool four days later, leading to Solskjaer’s dismissal within a month.