It was hard to feel more toxic than it did 20 minutes into Manchester United‘s home Champions League match against Roma on Tuesday.
A prematch protest by the Man United fans, who released 4,000 green and gold balloons into the air in opposition of the current club ownership, was followed by two early goals for Roma, causing the home crowd to throw tennis balls onto the pitch and rain boos down on the players.
It seems the message was finally received by the United players, who switched into high gear and completed a memorable comeback. A Bruno Fernandes penalty in the 58th minute — which was initially saved but had to be retaken — was followed by a Matheus Cunha brace in the 83rd and 86th minutes, shortly before the Brazilian was sent off early in stoppage time.
The wild scenes at the Theater of Dreams resulted in a thrilling and memorable comeback which saw United climb into 17th in the league phase standings, slightly improving their position but greatly improving morale.
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Best stats, numbers from Man United comeback vs. Roma
100% — Shea Lacey passing accuracy
After coming on in the 75th minute, 19-year-old Man United winger Shea Lacey turned the game around for the Red Devils at home.
Lacey was exceptional in the attacking third, connecting on all seven of his pass attempts, including the game-winning assist to Matheus Cunha. He also completed two of his three dribble attempts as well, proving dangerous both on the ball himself and delivering to teammates.
5 — Bruno Fernandes chances created
Bruno Fernandes has rightly been a key target for Man United supporters during this putrid run, as the captain has been a representative figure of the problems within the dressing room in recent months.
But credit to the Portugal international today, as last year’s PFA Player of the Year in the Premier League was back to his usual bag of tricks, creating the most chances of anyone on the field and taking the joint-most shots. Three of his key passes were received outside the penalty area, and one came from a corner, but it’s clear that when at his best, Fernandes is the heart and soul of this team’s most electric form.
It only resulted in the one goal from the penalty spot, but he was critical to his team, taking home Man of the Match honors in the process.
0 — Times Lenny Yoro was dribbled past
After Manchester United fell 2-0 down, they would clamp down on the defensive solidity and keep things tight from there.
It started with Lenny Yoro, as the 20-year-old started as an inverted full-back on the right, an odd position for him to be. It worked, as not only was he great in possession, competing 34 of 38 passes and being successful on both his dribbles, he was also sensational defensively.
Yoro contributed eight defensive actions, including three clearances, and four interceptions, but most importantly, he wasn’t dribbled past a single time, impressive for a natural center-back starting out wide against 19-year-old Portuguese wonderkid Rodrigo Mora plus Brazilian wing-back Wesley pushing high up the flank.
10 — Man United winless streak snapped
Finally, some respite for Michael Carrick and Manchester United, who are now back in the win column for the first time since September 10 when they trounced Azerbaijani minnows Sabah 4-0.
The Red Devils still must recover their Premier League position, sitting 17th in the table, but now they have some confidence and energy to build on as they return to domestic play against Aston Villa before the international break comes and goes, with a rivalry game against Liverpool on the other side.
