Manchester United 3-2 Roma: Matheus Cunha Scores Twice in Three Minutes Then Sees Red in Old Trafford Comeback

Manchester United produced a dramatic comeback on Champions League Matchday 4, recovering from 2-0 down to beat Roma 3-2 at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. A retaken Bruno Fernandes penalty and two Matheus Cunha goals in three minutes turned the game around, although Cunha's evening ended with a red card in stoppage time. The match kicked off at 4am on Wednesday, Malaysia time (MYT).

Roma's flying start

Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma arrived in Manchester in form after a 5-2 win at Udinese at the weekend, and they made it count early. Matias Soule opened the scoring in the 11th minute after United defender Ayden Heaven was pulled out of position.

Roma's second came moments later. Heaven blocked a Soule shot with his arm, the referee pointed to the spot, and Donyell Malen converted the penalty for 2-0 inside the opening 18 minutes. United, beaten 2-0 by Chelsea in the Premier League at the weekend, went in at half-time two goals down.

The comeback

United were handed a route back early in the second half. Gianluca Mancini caught Cunha inside the area, and although Roma goalkeeper Vasquez saved Fernandes's first attempt, the kick was ordered to be retaken because Bryan Cristante had entered the box early. Fernandes scored the retake in the 58th minute.

Bryan Mbeumo then hit both posts as United pushed for an equaliser, and it finally came in the 83rd minute when Cunha pounced after a clearance error from Leonardo Balerdi. Three minutes later Cunha struck again, finishing from Shea Lacey's pass to complete the turnaround.

Cunha's red card

The Brazilian's night took a twist in stoppage time. He had already been booked for removing his shirt while celebrating, and a late challenge on Balerdi in the first minute of added time brought a second yellow card. United saw out the remaining minutes with ten men. Cunha will now be suspended for United's next Champions League fixture.

There was also a worry for head coach Michael Carrick when midfielder Carlos Baleba went off early in the second half with a hamstring problem, according to Sky Sports.

What it means for both sides

United had won on Matchday 1 against Sabah on 10 September but lost their next two Champions League games, including a 4-1 defeat at Como on Matchday 3. Victory over Roma takes them to six points from four matches, their second win of the campaign.

Roma, who had one win, one draw and one defeat before kick-off, stay on four points after a result that complicates their path to the knockout rounds. With four league-phase games left for every club, both sides remain in contention for at least the play-off places (9th to 24th), while the top eight go straight to the last 16.

Key takeaways

• Manchester United beat Roma 3-2 after trailing 2-0 inside 18 minutes.
• Roma scored through Matias Soule (11') and a Donyell Malen penalty (18').
• Bruno Fernandes scored a retaken penalty (58'), and Matheus Cunha struck in the 83rd and 86th minutes.
• Cunha was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time.
• United move to six points; Roma stay on four.

FAQ

What was the final score in Manchester United v Roma? Manchester United won 3-2 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, coming from 2-0 down.

Why was Matheus Cunha sent off against Roma? Cunha received a first yellow card for removing his shirt while celebrating a goal, and a second for a late challenge on Leonardo Balerdi in stoppage time.

Why was Bruno Fernandes's penalty retaken? Fernandes's first attempt was saved, but Roma's Bryan Cristante had encroached into the penalty area, so the kick was retaken and Fernandes scored.

Sources: Sky Sports, Goal, ESPN, Football360, Yahoo Sports