Credit : Premier League's X
MANCHESTER, November 3, 2026 – Matheus Cunha scored twice in three minutes as Manchester United came from two goals down to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, ending a nine-game winless run in all competitions.
The Premier League hailed the Brazilian forward on its official X account, writing: “Matheus Cunha’s miracle. Two vital goals in three minutes for the Manchester United forward.” In a second post, it called him the “star of one of Old Trafford’s greatest nights”.
It had looked like another grim evening for United and head coach Michael Carrick. Roma scored twice in the opening 17 minutes, the second a penalty from Donyell Malen, and the home side were booed off at half-time. Midfielder Carlos Baleba then had to leave the pitch early in the second half with a hamstring injury.
The turning point came when Cunha won a penalty, and captain Bruno Fernandes converted it at the second attempt after the kick was ordered to be retaken, pulling a goal back in the 58th minute. Bryan Mbeumo then struck both posts with a single shot, and Roma, unbeaten in Serie A this season, began to wobble.
United drew level in the 83rd minute when a poor clearance from Roma defender Leonardo Balerdi fell to Cunha, who slotted home. Three minutes later, Kobbie Mainoo drove forward, substitute Shea Lacey fizzed a pass into Cunha, and the forward controlled the ball before finishing powerfully at the near post to complete the comeback.
Cunha’s night ended early when he was shown a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Balerdi in stoppage time, but United held on with 10 men to record their first win in 54 days.
Earlier in the match, United fans had protested against the club’s owners by throwing tennis balls on to the pitch.
“Proud of a lot of people actually, proud of the players, and they deserve a lot of credit for pulling through that in a tough situation,” Carrick told reporters after the match. “I am not getting too carried away with things, but it is an important night.”
Carrick also praised Lacey for his assist and his defensive work at right-back, saying: “He is desperate to do well, he has got great ability, so in terms of coming inside and finding a pass, that is not surprising actually.”
Fernandes, speaking to Amazon Prime, said the squad shared the supporters’ frustration. “I just want to make everyone aware that we’re all frustrated with the situation at the moment and we all want to get out of this. Hopefully this win today gives the start of something good for us,” he said.
The captain also addressed reports about his relationship with Carrick, saying that being dropped to the bench against Bournemouth did not change his belief in the manager, the staff or his team-mates.
United return to Premier League action against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, November 8.
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