Despite all of the noise around his long-term future at Manchester United, Michael Carrick masterminded yet another iconic European night at Old Trafford last night.
The 45-year-old led his Red Devils side to a 3-2 win over Italian side Roma at the Theatre of Dreams, despite trailing by two goals heading into the interval.
Such a result could well prove to be the turning point in his tenure, with his side showing the fight and determination needed to transform the recent slump in results.
How Man Utd managed to end their winless run against Roma
United may have claimed victory at Old Trafford last night, but for a large portion of the contest, it seemed as though it would be another evening to forget in Europe.
Matias Soule and Donyell Malen handed the visitors a two-goal lead after just 20 minutes, which left the Red Devils staring down the barrel of a tenth consecutive game without a win.
Many supporters would have been forgiven for thinking there was any chance of a comeback in the second period, especially after Carrick’s men only registered a solitary shot on target in the first half.
However, the showing during the second 45 was light and day compared to the first, with a Bruno Fernandes penalty and a double from Matheus Cunha securing a vital victory.
The latter did fail to finish the game after picking up two late bookings, but ultimately, it hasn’t overshadowed his heroic display to help the Red Devils end their winless run.
How Heaven failed to deliver against Roma
After starting the Champions League game against Atletico Madrid last month, centre-back Ayden Heaven was handed his first home start in such a competition against Roma last night.
The decision from Carrick handed the 20-year-old a chance to prove why he’s a player who deserves to start in the absence of Lisandro Martinez whilst he serves his Premier League suspension.
However, it was an evening to forget for the youngster at Old Trafford, as he struggled to deliver in defensive areas despite the late second-half comeback.
Heaven featured for 75 minutes and was responsible for giving away the penalty which saw the Red Devils go two goals down less than half an hour into proceedings.
His disappointing performance didn’t stop there though, as he committed two fouls and picked up a yellow card after a late challenge on opening scorer, Soule.
The Englishman only came out on top of 50% of the ground duels he entered, which further highlights the lack of authority he demonstrated against the Serie A outfit.
Man United star was worse than Heaven
There’s little denying that the late efforts from Fernandes and Cunha bailed out Heaven, and ensured that United finally put a stop to their recent dreadful form.
However, he certainly wasn’t the only player who struggled to provide the goods and could lose their starting role as a result of their disappointing performance.
Full-back Diogo Dalot is a player who has been under huge pressure due to his displays of late, and his showing against Roma was one which will only increase the supporters’ frustrations.
The Portuguese international started the encounter in a somewhat unnatural left-back role, which certainly contributed to the visitors opening goal at Old Trafford.
He was caught too advanced in attacking areas, which allowed Rodrigo Mora to pick out an inch-perfect pass to Soule, who slotted past the helpless Senne Lammens.
His struggles continued throughout the encounter, as he was subsequently dribbled past on two separate occasions – with Soule often getting the better of the 27-year-old.
Dalot also only came out on top of 50% of the tackles he entered last night, with the defender lacking the authority needed to shut out the opposition’s attackers.
Even in possession, he was just as ineffective, as demonstrated by his inability to create a single chance, whilst only completing four forward passes out of his 32 efforts.
When he did try and progress the play, he was largely unsuccessful, subsequently resulting in the full-back gifting possession away on 11 separate occasions from his 65 touches.
|
Man Utd player ratings vs Roma |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Rating |
|
Senne Lammens |
6 |
|
Leny Yoro |
5 |
|
Ayden Heaven |
5 |
|
Harry Maguire |
5 |
|
Diogo Dalot |
3 |
|
Kobbie Mainoo |
9 |
|
Carlos Baleba |
6 |
|
Amad Diallo |
5 |
|
Bruno Fernandes |
7 |
|
Matheus Cunha |
8 |
|
Bryan Mbeumo |
4 |
As a result of his showing, Dalot was handed a measly 3/10 match rating, which could leave his starting role in huge jeopardy ahead of the meeting with Aston Villa.
Whilst Carrick may remain under pressure at United, he has the opportunity to save his job, but for that, he will ensure he builds on Tuesday’s Champions League victory.
If the Red Devils are to have the best possible chance of avoiding defeat in the next outing, it’s vital the manager takes Dalot out of the starting eleven amid his recent dismal performances.
