Cunha double completes United's comeback as Roma boss fumes over penalty retake

Manchester United completed a dramatic 3-2 Champions League comeback against AS Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice in the second half to rescue Michael Carrick’s side from what had looked like a seventh defeat in ten matches.

Roma had led 2-0 when the game turned on a contentious moment just before the hour mark. Referee Jesus Gil Manzano awarded United a penalty after Cunha went to ground inside the area, a decision that stood despite suggestions he may have caught his own feet. Bruno Fernandes saw his initial spot-kick saved by Devis Vasquez, but VAR ordered a retake due to encroachment by a Roma player. Fernandes converted the second attempt, and Cunha went on to score twice to complete the turnaround.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini was pointed in his criticism of the penalty decision after the final whistle. “We hope that these kind of penalties would no longer be conceded or given, whether it be in Italy or Europe,” he said. “[This is] something that is quite irritating, I would have to say.”

Gasperini also acknowledged that his side failed to protect their lead adequately in the second half. “A game lasts 90 minutes and they took more risks in the second half and they stepped up,” he conceded. “I think we probably could have done a bit more to safeguard the score.” He added that Roma were further hampered by an injured player remaining on the pitch when the decisive goals were scored.

The win lifts United to 17th in the Champions League table, two points outside the top eight, though they could slip further depending on Wednesday’s results elsewhere. Carrick’s side next face Aston Villa at home before the November international break.