Cunha sent off after heroics as United edge Roma 3-2 in Champions League thriller

Matheus Cunha scored the decisive goal but ended the night in controversy as Manchester United defeated Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford in the Champions League, with the Brazilian sent off late on and then involved in a heated exchange with manager Michael Carrick at the final whistle.

Cunha was the driving force behind United’s comeback, netting one of two goals in a three-minute spell that turned the match on its head. The victory keeps United’s Champions League campaign on track, but the evening was not without its complications for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers forward.

After scoring the winner, Cunha removed his shirt and leapt into the crowd to celebrate with the home supporters, earning a first yellow card. He was then shown a second yellow — and a subsequent red — for a late challenge on a Roma player, cutting short his involvement in the closing stages.

When the final whistle sounded, Cunha moved to join his teammates in celebrating with the Old Trafford crowd, but Carrick quickly intercepted him. The nature of their brief exchange is unclear, though Cunha visibly grew agitated in the moments that followed before making his way towards the tunnel.

Despite his apparent frustration, Cunha paused to applaud the jubilant home supporters before disappearing down the tunnel — a gesture that underlined his connection with the fans even on a night that ended on a sour personal note.

The red card means Cunha will serve a suspension and miss at least one Champions League fixture, a significant blow given the impact he had on this result. United will hope the incident does not overshadow what was, in terms of the scoreline, a dramatic and important European victory.