3-2 Victory Ends Winless Streak as Red Devils Stun Roma
Manchester United ended a nine-match, 54-day winless streak across all competitions by overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat AS Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford on November 4, 2026. The result provided an immediate lifeline for manager Michael Carrick, whose position was under threat heading into the UEFA Champions League fixture. A dramatic second-half turnaround was spearheaded by captain Bruno Fernandes and forward Matheus Cunha, reviving United’s push for a top-24 qualification spot in the European standings.
Carrick’s Half-Time Re-Shape Overcomes Early Defensive Collapse
Roma exploited spatial gaps in United’s back line early, mounting a 2-0 lead inside the opening minutes through Gian Piero Gasperini’s dynamic 3-4-3 system. Matias Soule opened the scoring by finishing a cross-field pass from Rodrigo Mora after Ayden Heaven misjudged a header, leaving Diogo Dalot out of position on the right flank. Soule then provoked a handball penalty from Heaven shortly after, allowing Donyell Malen to convert his 12th goal in 13 appearances.
AS Roma
clubCarrick adjusted United’s offensive shape at the interval, swapping positions between Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo while introducing substitute Shea Lacey to stretch play on the right wing. Midfielder Carlos Baleba was forced off early in the second half due to a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined until December. Despite that setback, United engineered momentum through quicker vertical passing into the central channels.
The host side broke through from the penalty spot when Gianluca Mancini was judged to have fouled Cunha inside the area. Roma goalkeeper Devis Vazquez saved the initial attempt from Fernandes, but a retake was ordered due to encroachment by Bryan Cristante. Fernandes converted the second attempt to halve the deficit and end his two-month goal drought.
Bruno Fernandes
playerCunha then took control of the match, striking twice within a four-minute stretch to complete the comeback. The equalizer arrived when Fernandes delivered a cross that bypassed defender Leonardo Balerdi, allowing Cunha to finish inside the box. Minutes later, the Brazilian forward collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and whipped a tight-angle shot off the near post into the net.
Injury-Time Red Card and Refereeing Interventions
Refereeing decisions proved central to the second-half narrative at Old Trafford. VAR confirmed the encroachment penalty retake for United after Cristante entered the box before Fernandes struck his initial saved attempt. Later in the half, Cristante also cleared a Diogo Dalot header off the goal line to prevent a fourth United goal.
Having previously received a yellow card for celebrating his second goal with supporters in the stands, Cunha was shown a straight red card in stoppage time following a sliding challenge on Balerdi. The dismissal means Cunha will serve a European suspension during United’s upcoming trip to face Sporting CP in Lisbon.
“He needed that win tonight, the club needed that win, the players needed that win.”