Manchester United secured a crucial 3-2 victory against Roma at Old Trafford, a result that provides a temporary reprieve for Michael Carrick after a challenging run of form. As the Roma fans celebrated, and Manchester United trailed 2-0, it seemed catastrophic for the club and terminal for Carrick’s position as head coach, in the moment.
Trailing 2-0, the mood around the stadium had reached a boiling point, with many fearing the result would mark a terminal point for Carrick’s tenure. The atmosphere felt strikingly similar to the 2021 match against Watford, where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer—with Carrick on his coaching staff—knew his time was up after falling behind by two goals at halftime, eventually losing 4-1. It was the most improbable of comebacks, even without the context of everything that came before the game. I knew at half-time against Watford,” recalled Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in September 2023 of his own dismissal as United boss a couple of years earlier. “At half-time, I told the players it was probably going to be the last.
The turning point in this latest fixture arrived through a moment of VAR intervention. Bruno Fernandes saw his initial penalty saved, but referee Carlos del Cerro Grande ordered a retake after Bryan Cristante was found to have encroached into the area. Fernandes successfully converted the second opportunity, igniting a fierce comeback. Matheus Cunha then stepped up to score twice in the final seven minutes, fueling an unlikely turnaround for the hosts. How did Carrick feel when the penalty was saved.
Despite a frantic conclusion following a red card for Cunha, United held firm to claim their first win in ten matches. The performance was a stark contrast to the opening half, which had drawn harsh criticism from former United legends Wayne Rooney and Nicky Butt, who provided analysis for Amazon Prime. While the victory provides immediate relief for Carrick, the lingering questions regarding his long-term position remain, as the club continues to navigate a turbulent period. Which ensured a nervy ending, would not deny United a first win in 10, bringing some respite after a dreadful few weeks, even Cunha’s sending off soon after.
