Manchester United stun Roma with comeback win inspired by Real Madrid

Manchester United overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Roma 3-2 in a dramatic UEFA Champions League league-phase match at Old Trafford and end a nine-game run without victory.

Roma made the stronger start in Tuesday’s fourth-round fixture, taking the lead after 11 minutes when Matias Soule broke clear and finished confidently with his left foot beyond Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

The Italian side doubled their advantage six minutes later. Donyell Malen converted a penalty in the 17th minute, sending his effort past the Belgian goalkeeper to put Roma in control.

Manchester United needed a response after the break and Bruno Fernandes provided it from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, reducing the deficit and giving the home side renewed momentum.

The equaliser arrived with seven minutes of normal time remaining. Fernandes delivered a cross into the area in the 83rd minute, and a mistake by a Roma defender allowed Matheus Cunha to find the net.

Cunha then completed the turnaround three minutes later. The Brazilian forward moved into the area from the right, went through one-on-one and struck a powerful finish into the Roma goal to put United ahead for the first time.

Manchester United were reduced to 10 men when Cunha was sent off in stoppage time, but they held on to claim a victory that had eluded them since September.

Their previous win came in the opening round of the Champions League, when they beat Turkish side Sabah 4-0. United had then played nine matches without winning, recording three draws and six defeats before Tuesday’s meeting with Roma.

The result moved Manchester United on to six points and into 17th place in the European competition’s table. Roma remain on four points in 19th.

The comeback also echoed Real Madrid’s result against Roma in the second round of the league phase. Real Madrid had trailed 3-1 in that match before recovering to win 4-3.

United will hope their turnaround can become a similar turning point. Real Madrid went on to win every match after their comeback against Roma, including the clasico against rivals Barcelona.

Roma are scheduled to face Sassuolo in Serie A on 07 November 2026, while Manchester United will play Aston Villa in the Premier League on 08 November 2026.