QUICK TAKE | Cunha Scores Twice in Three Minutes as Manchester United Beat Roma 3–2. Here Are Seven Things to Know
1. How did Roma go two up so quickly?
Matías Soulé ran onto Rodrigo Mora’s diagonal pass and fired into the bottom corner in the 11th minute. Six minutes later, another Soulé shot struck Ayden Heaven’s hand. Donyell Malen converted the penalty, and Roma took a 2–0 lead into half-time.
2. Why were fans throwing tennis balls?
Some United supporters threw them onto the pitch in the 21st minute to protest against the Glazer family’s ownership. The timing marked 21 years since the Glazers’ leveraged takeover. United were already two goals down when the protest began.
3. Why did Bruno Fernandes take his penalty twice?
Gianluca Mancini brought down Cunha in the box, but Roma goalkeeper Devis Vásquez saved Fernandes’s first attempt. A Roma player had encroached, so Fernandes got another go. He scored in the 58th minute. Soon after, Bryan Mbeumo struck both posts with the same shot.
4. How did Cunha score twice in three minutes?
In the 83rd minute, Roma defender Leonardo Balerdi failed to deal with Fernandes’s cross, leaving Cunha free to finish. In the 86th, substitute Shea Lacey found the Brazilian with a pass inside. Cunha drove forward and beat Vásquez at his near post.
The Era of Forever Wars
30 Oct 2026 - Vol 05 | Issue 44
Coping with an explosive Middle East
5. Why was the match-winner sent off?
Cunha earned his first yellow card after taking off his shirt and jumping into the crowd to celebrate the winner. A late challenge on Balerdi brought a second booking in stoppage time. United had to protect their one-goal lead with ten men.
6. How long had United waited for a win?
Fifty-four days. Michael Carrick’s side had gone nine matches without winning across competitions. The comeback gave them their first victory in ten games, three days after a Premier League defeat to Chelsea.
7. Who comes to Old Trafford next?
Aston Villa visit on Sunday in the Premier League. Unai Emery’s side also had a difficult Champions League night on Tuesday, losing 3–0 at Barcelona after winning their first three league-phase matches.