Manchester United staged one of the most dramatic comebacks seen at Old Trafford in years, overturning a two-goal deficit to defeat Roma 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League and end a run of nine games without a win.

Michael Carrick's side looked beaten after a torrid first half that left the home support jeering at the interval. Roma struck through Matias Soule after just 11 minutes before Donyell Malen doubled the advantage from the penalty spot six minutes later, and United offered little in response.

Turning point in the second half

Matters worsened early in the second period when Carlos Baleba limped off with a hamstring injury, leaving Carrick with an increasingly threadbare midfield. Yet the contest shifted dramatically when Matheus Cunha earned a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted after a retake in the 58th minute.

Old Trafford roared back to life. Bryan Mbeumo struck both posts with a single thunderous effort, and the noise inside the ground grew to something extraordinary. Roma — unbeaten in Serie A coming into the match — began to buckle under sustained pressure, clearing one effort off the line and surviving two further penalty appeals.

Cunha completes the turnaround

The decisive contribution came from an unlikely source: a dreadful clearance by Leonardo Balerdi gifted Cunha the chance to slide home the equaliser in the 83rd minute. Three minutes later, Cunha produced a stunning near-post finish from Shea Lacey's precise pass to complete one of the most improbable reversals in Old Trafford's recent memory.

The Brazilian's evening ended in controversy, however — he received a red card for a reckless foul in the 91st minute, forcing United to see out a nervy finale with ten men. They held firm, claiming a first victory in 54 days and a first Champions League win under Carrick, who was met with genuine applause as he left the pitch.