A dramatic 3-2 victory over AS Roma on Tuesday night kept Michael Carrick from losing his job as Manchester United manager. The win was secured by Matheus Cunha, who scored two goals before receiving a second yellow card and being sent off in stoppage time. ESPN reported that the result immediately boosted the 45-year-old’s chances of staying in charge at Old Trafford despite a nine-game winless run.
The match looked lost when United trailed 2-0 after just 17 minutes. Carrick’s position seemed hopeless as the team headed for a fifth defeat in six games. A comeback sparked by a re-taken penalty from Bruno Fernandes changed the momentum. On September 10, Cunha netted two goals in the last 10 minutes to give the club its initial victory.
The Cost of Survival
United held on to win despite playing with 10 men after Cunha’s dismissal. The Brazilian forward celebrated his second goal by jumping into the crowd, which earned him a yellow card from the referee. He then fouled Leonardo Balerdi in stoppage time to receive the second booking that forced him off the pitch. The team managed to survive the final minutes without conceding another goal.
This victory ensures Carrick remains the manager for the next game against Aston Villa on Sunday. The club hierarchy hoped the manager would weather the storm of poor results, and this win could mark the start of better times. However, reports from ESPN suggest it would be naïve to view this single result as proof that he must stay in charge long term.
Pressure Returns Immediately
Next, the squad confronts two difficult Premier League fixtures: first hosting Villa, then traveling to Liverpool. Carrick cannot afford to lose either of these upcoming games or the intense pressure will return. If he loses one of those fixtures, he may be out of a job by December.
The turnaround was triggered by a hamstring injury to midfielder Carlos Baleba, which allowed Youri Tielemans to come on as a replacement. This substitution helped spark the remarkable second-half fightback in European competition. The manner of the win will play heavily in the manager’s favor as he navigates the next few weeks of the season.
What Comes Next
United must now qualify for the Champions League knockout stages to keep the momentum going. The win was crucial for both Carrick and the team’s hopes of advancing in the tournament. The players have high confidence after completing one of the club’s greatest European fightbacks.
Mark Ogden and Rob Dawson covered the story for ESPN on November 3, 2026. Although the triumph could prove vital for United’s progression, it instantly strengthened Carrick’s prospects of retaining his position.
