Manchester United recovered from two goals down to beat Roma in a dramatic Champions League comeback at Old Trafford, ending a nine-game wait for victory.
United appeared to be heading for another damaging result, with head coach Michael Carrick under intense pressure, after Roma struck twice in six first-half minutes.
Matias Soule opened the scoring before Donyell Malen converted a penalty to leave the home side facing defeat. The goals further inflamed an already hostile atmosphere inside Old Trafford.
Supporters threw green tennis balls on to the pitch in another protest against the club’s ownership. Green and gold balloons were released as the teams emerged, while chants were directed at the Glazer family, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of football Jason Wilcox.
United’s problems deepened when £70m midfielder Carlos Baleba suffered a hamstring injury. The issue is expected to keep him out for a period of time.
But the home side responded after the break and began a remarkable turnaround.
Captain Bruno Fernandes showed composure to score from a penalty at the second attempt after a Roma player had entered the area. The first effort had to be retaken.
United then came close to levelling when Bryan Mbeumo’s shot struck both posts. The equaliser arrived soon afterwards, as Matheus Cunha took advantage of an error by Leonardo Balerdi.
Cunha completed the turnaround four minutes from full-time, driving a finish into the net from an acute angle to send Old Trafford into celebration.
The Brazilian was dismissed for a second booking in stoppage time, leaving United to protect their narrow advantage with 10 men.
Despite the late pressure, United held on in front of a frenzied home crowd to secure a memorable Champions League victory and bring their long wait for a win to an end.
