Man Utd’s 3-2 comeback win over Roma eases pressure on Carrick

Manchester United came from 2-0 down to beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford, giving manager Michael Carrick a first win in 10 matches but leaving his future uncertain.

Bruno Fernandes had a penalty saved while United trailed, but the spot-kick was ordered to be retaken after Roma’s Bryan Cristante encroached. Fernandes scored the second attempt, and Matheus Cunha struck twice in the final seven minutes. Cunha was sent off soon afterwards, but United held on.

Carrick said he urged his players at half-time to stay positive and keep looking for solutions. Former United striker Wayne Rooney, commentating for Amazon Prime, praised the manager’s response, saying it had helped put the team on the front foot and restore belief.

The comeback followed a poor first half that drew criticism from Rooney and former United midfielder Nicky Butt. It also came against a backdrop of recent public criticism of Carrick’s tactics by players, including Fernandes and Lisandro Martínez.

The result offers Carrick breathing space, but does not settle whether he will remain in charge. United’s next match is against Aston Villa. Carrick said he was pleased for his players but did not feel relief, adding that the team needed to prepare for the next game.

United have previously produced dramatic comebacks without turning them into lasting revivals: they beat Atalanta 3-2 in 2021 before losing 5-0 to Liverpool four days later. Carrick said he had no “crystal ball” about what would happen next.