Manchester United dragged themselves up off the canvas to come from two goals down to record a sensational Champions League victory against Roma at Old Trafford.

United seemed finished and head coach Michael Carrick destined for the sack as Roma scored twice in six first-half minutes, through Matias Soule and a Donyell Malan penalty.

The goals turned the atmosphere inside Old Trafford venomous. Green tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch as a further sign of protest against the club’s ownership. Green and gold balloons were released as the teams came out and songs were chanted against the Glazer family, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and director of football Jason Wilcox.

United’s evening got even worse when £70m midfielder Carlos Baleba suffered a hamstring injury that looks set to keep him out for a period of time.

But from the depths of despair, United rallied.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes kept his nerve to drive home a twice-taken penalty after a Roma player entered the area.

Then, after a Bryan Mbeumo shot had hit both posts, Matheus Cunha capitalised on Leonardo Balerdi’s error to equalise, before the Brazilian drilled home a shot from an acute angle four minutes from time.

Cunha was sent off for a second booking as the game entered stoppage time but in front of a frenzied crowd, United survived to end their nine-game wait for a victory.